Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

DCC Layout Fires - Really?

13724 views
32 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Sunday, February 14, 2010 8:56 AM

This discussion is interesting but is getting way off topic.  The original question was, can DCC cause layout fires?  No one has related a single instance of a layout fire caused by DCC.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,667 posts
Posted by rrebell on Sunday, February 14, 2010 11:27 AM

trainnut1250

rrebell
Don't beleive me, look it up! The fires do strange things to wires like burning off insulation and causing shorts. Most fire departments, even large ones, do not investigate fires thoroughly unless loss of life occurs or arson is suspected.

 

 

I did look it up.  From the USFA site regarding fires in the united States in a years time..

"During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 67,800 fires, 485 deaths, and $868 million in property losses. Home electrical wiring causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances".

more here:

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/electrical.shtm 

Seems these forensic experts have a different opinion.

 Guy

 

 

Yes they do, these are guys in another branch but the same type of guy that investigate murders and the statement covers conventional house wiring (not aluminum which is no longer allowed in most places) and standard things plugged in (not appliance cord run under rugs). Also they did not say impossible but nearly impossible, You need the breakdown which I shall now try to find.  Off topic maybe but I see we have quite a few people interested.
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,667 posts
Posted by rrebell on Sunday, February 14, 2010 11:43 AM

Look up inter fire online and see what the fire marshals have to say about it also, very interesting statistics and they go into the problems of research in the area and how little research had been done (this was 2001 conference). Also look up the article Forensic Science on trial at the Science-Insider (never been there before but give great insite).

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!