Basic Research on the Performance of Small Space Fire Extinguishing Devices Based on Potassium nitrate used in switchboards, distribution boards, etc : Focusing on Fire Extinguishing Mechanism and Class A Fire Extinguishing Performance

As there was no objective date on the fire extinguishing mechanism and performance of potassium nitrate-based small space fire extinguisher that can automatically extinguish fires in small spaces (less than 0.36 ㎡) such as distribution boards and distribution boards, we attemped to conduct basic research on this. We sought to confirm the importance of fires in switchboards and other devices through fire statistical analysis of electrical factors, and analyzed fire extinguishing mechanisms that react with heat based on potassium nitrate. We also sought to determine the interconnectivity of related variables through Class A fire extinguishing tests. Through analysis of fire statistics, the importance of electrical fires was confirmed and the cause of fire in the switchboard was investigated. By investigating its composition, it was found that it was a safe material that could be used for fire extinguishing, and that in the event of a fire, the thermal decomposition of KNO3 produced condensed aerosol particles, K2CO3, which could extinguish the fire. Through the Class A fire extinguishing test of the switchboard, it was confirmed that the fire could be reliably extinguished. The following conclusions were drawn through this study. 1. Analysis of fire statistics confirmed that electrical factors were the biggest cause of fire and that fires caused among this short circuit and insulation deterioration were the main causes. 2. The fire risk of switchboards, distribution boards, etc. was confirmed, and it was found that it was necessary to install simple fire extinguishers for small spaces that can quickly respond to and extinguish fires. 3. The fire extinguishing mechanism of potassium nitrate was confirmed to extinguish the fire by generating condensed aerosol particles, K2CO3, through thermal decomposition of KNO3 when a fire occurs. 4. Through the Class A fire extinguishing performance test, it was confirmed that there was a relationship between fire extinguishing delay time, weight, and volume, and the relationship could be expressed as , and it was found that a value of 1 or more is required for fire extinguishing.