HOT WATER SYSTEMS.
-'FREQUENT CAUSE OF FIRE.
Is a report on a fire which occurred recently in Dunedin, the superintendent of the city fire brigade stated positively that tile outbreak originated from the hot water service." The collection of a largo amount of data in connection with outbreaks of fire gavo proof that the'close proximity of wood to hot water pipes and steam pipes is a quite 1 frequent cause of fires. The superintendent stated that the outbreak in question Was most indubitably caused by tho overheating of the woodwork surrounding the hot water circulator. It was seldom they were able to got such a clear-cut story of tho cause of a fire, and this was a case well worth the time spent in \tewing the ruins. Ho had requested the chairman of-the Fire Board, Mr. T. Chalmer, to inspect the dwelling with him, and Mr. Chalmer's verdict coincided with his own. For years past hot water, hot air, and .steam circulating systems have occupied the close attention of fire experts at Home, who have long recognised the danger of the , circulators or piping being in contact with or in close proximity to woodwork. .
An editorial article in an English paper, the Fireman, says: "There is no doubt that in many instances a heated pipo is the primo factor in causing fire, although the temperature of the pipe may not, at any time, reach the ignition point of the timber. Tho constant exposure' to the heat causes a chemical . change talco place in the wood, which gradually assumes the form of charcoal— substance which will smoulder at a lew temperature—and this smouldering, if the Jioated surface be exposed to a constant draught, or even to a sudden rush of air,, is frequently succeeded by a moro rapid form of combustion, and a serious conflagration •results." To ensure safety, it is of great importance when installing hot water services that the circulator and pipes should bo, placed well clear of all woodwork, or that asbestos * should be.' securely placed between woodwork and any portion of the installation with ' which it : may .bo in contact
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16349, 2 October 1916, Page 8
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353HOT WATER SYSTEMS. New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16349, 2 October 1916, Page 8
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