PV AND FIRE FIGHTER SAFETY RESEARCH PROJECT

Continuing its tradition of contributing to firefighter safety and building on a long history of experience in electrical safety, Underwriters Laboratories was awarded a research grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program — Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

The grant funded a project that addresses first responder concerns about fighting fires involving photovoltaic (PV) modules.  This research project investigated firefighter exposure to electrical and casualty hazards when fighting a fire involving PV modules and support systems.

 The deployment of PV systems presents unique challenges to firefighting operations.   The use of this technology complicates traditional firefighter tactics, potentially exposing firefighters to electrical hazards not encountered with traditional utility power supplies. Though the electrical and fire hazards of PV system installations are well addressed through current product standards and certification, a limited body of knowledge and data exists for the fire service to develop safe tactics during suppression and ventilation activities.

Evaluating the hazards associated with PV systems in firefighting operations required the design of experimental methodologies based on UL’s historical and current expertise in product testing and standards development. The experiments developed empirical data to understand the magnitude of the hazards.  Methodologies were based on electrical principals, fire dynamics and firefighting tactics. UL is sharing the results and information gained through the research with the fire service community and PV industry through a formal report and web-based educational programs. The results from the study may serve as the foundation for potential PV installation code revisions and the creation of tactical and operational guidelines resulting in improved firefighter preparedness and safety.

This presentation will describe the experiments performed and results obtained during the research project.