ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17089, 22 August 1917, Page 7

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

QUBSTION OF FIRE HAZARD,

A very instructive paper was read by Mr T. R. Shepperd (Chief Inspector of the New Zealand Fire Underwriters Association) at the meeting of the Technological Branch of the Otago Institute last evening. The paper _ was (entitled "The Fire Hazard of Electrical Tlie question was one, he said, that had invited the close attention of business men and building contractors, who had _for some considerable time been apprehensive regarding the danger of fire from defective electnoal installation. The lecturer' contended that this form of lighting power could be made the best and safest of all artificial ifluminants, while it stood unrivalled as a motive power. At the same time it must be admitted that on account of its subtle nature it might bo responsible for a eerious fire, bat. as the speaker remarked, this could undoubtedly bo traced to faulty workmanship, inferior material, and a combination of' circumstances. Unless the case was a particularly glaring one involving one or more of the causes he mentioned it was not to be expected that the uninitiated could know anything of the possible hazard, and for this reason it was. absolutely necessary that each installation should be inspected befo-« it was connected with the soui-cg of supply. In the case of large installations, whether for lighting or power, other factors besides fire hazard should be taken into consideration, such as the disposition of lights, sizes, and location of motors, in order that the best results might be attained consistent with economy of current, and it would invariably be found that a saving in capital and running costs could be effected by consulting an electrical expert—(" Hear, hear."} It was a very bad policy, contended the speaker, to accept the lowest tender for a contract.by virtue of the minimum cost and not \o take into, consideration the quality of "' 2 material and apparatus affixed. Mr Shepperd then dealt in detail with his" subaptly illustrating his remarks'by'submitting samples of amateur workmanship— another factor that was responsible for fire. At the close of the lecture the speaker was accorded a vote of thanks for his able address.' The chair was occupied by Mr B. B. Hooper, and there was a good attendance.