RISKFEATURES

Property – Fire: 10 – Electrical Systems and Equipment

March 2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

This Risk Factor is used to assess the risks associated with electrical systems and equipment, including electrical machinery
and portable electrical appliances. The electrical system is defined as extending from the third party supply through to the
last connection before the electrical equipment and portable appliances.

Faulty, overloaded, improper, or inadequately maintained electrical equipment are a common cause of fires. Electrical
sources are often cited as the basis of major fires, with the US NFPA attributing 10% of non-residential fires to electrical
causes.

WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR?

Exposures
• The type, amount and extent of the electrical system present and available to cause or support a fire

• Electrical systems introducing an unusual (higher or lower) degree of exposure to the occupancy compared to normal
expectations.

Controls
• Periodic, visual, and recorded inspections. Frequency suited to age of system, type of equipment and environmental
conditions. Inspections are intended to identify and manage systems with conditions such as:

o Aged switchgear, cables or equipment

o Signs of damage or poor condition

o Overloaded circuits

o Inappropriate components for the occupancy (e.g. humidity and corrosion)

o Inadequate physical protection (guarding)

o Exposures from combustibles too close to equipment

o Accumulations of dusts or oily residues

o Inappropriate electrical lighting arrangements or configurations

o Identification of Type “S” high intensity discharge lamps (lamps not meeting ANSI Standard C78.398
for containment testing) in non-enclosed fixtures
• Annual testing of the electrical system such as:

o Thermo graphic testing

o Dielectric fluid testing for transformers (where appropriate)

• Maintenance of electrical machinery and portable appliances

o Comprehensive activities with scope and frequency based upon manufacturer's recommendations

o Replacement of Type “O” high intensity discharge lamps (lamps meeting ANSI Standard C78.398 for
containment testing) before reaching estimated life expectancy

o Replacement or enclosure of Type “S” high intensity discharge lamps in open fixtures

• Programs to ensure ongoing safety of electrical systems such as:

o Limiting use of extension cords

o Weekly de-energizing of Type ‘O’ high intensity discharge lamps in non-enclosed fixtures

RISK IMPROVEMENT IDEAS

• Implement a program for periodic, visual and recorded inspections, based on the age of the system, equipment and
environmental conditions.

• Conduct regular testing of the electrical systems, including thermo graphic testing and dielectric fluid testing of
transformers where appropriate.

• Maintain electrical equipment and have a program of testing for portable appliances.

• Implement a management program to verify the correct use of electrical appliances, turning off electrical equipment
when not required.

• Select qualified contractors to provide comprehensive electrical testing and maintenance programs

RESOURCES
Risk topics
• Electrical Maintenance and Testing Guidelines (pdf)

• Property Risk Solutions Electrical Maintenance & Testing Guidelines (pdf)

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 Zurich Insurance Group Ltd.
Mythenquai 2 CH-8022 Zurich – Switzerland
www.zurich.com

The information contained in this document has been compiled and obtained from sources believed to be reliable and
credible but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Zurich Insurance Group Ltd. or any of its
subsidiaries (hereinafter ‘Zurich’) as to their accuracy or completeness.
Some of the information contained herein may be time sensitive. Thus, you should consult the most recent referenced
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Information in this document relates to risk engineering / risk services and is intended as a general description of certain types
of services available to qualified customers. It is not intended as, and does not give, an overview of insurance coverages,
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information, material or procedure contained herein. Zurich and its employees do not guarantee particular outcomes and
there may be conditions on your premises or within your organization which may not be apparent to us. You are in the best
position to understand your business and your organization and to take steps to minimize risk, and we wish to assist you by
rf_Fire - 10 ElectricalSystems.docx

providing the information and tools to assess your changing risk environment.
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©2013 Zurich Insurance Group Ltd.