- Author
- Beausoliel, R. W. | Meese, W. J. | Galowin, L. S.
- Title
- Exploratory Study of Temperatures Produced by Self-Heating of Residential Branch Circuit Wiring When Surrounded by Thermal Insulation.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Sponsor
- Department of Energy, Washington, DC
- Report
- NBSIR 78-1477, July 1978, 52 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- electrical fires | heat generation | overheating | thermal insulation | wires
- Abstract
- The purpose of the work presented in this paper was to make preliminary determinations under laboratory conditions of temperatures that might develop on residential eletrical wiring covered by thermal insulation when carrying rated currents or currents slightly above rated values. The results show that temperatures on conductors surrounded by thermal insulation can greatly exceed the maximum service temperature for the wire insulation. Results also show that some types of insulation currently used to retrofit buildings may fill wall outlet boxes and contact the current-carrying elements and connections of duplex receptacles. This study indicates need for a concentrated study of temperatures that might develop on residential electrical wiring covered by thermal insulation.