General > General Technical Chat
Moving the lab to the attic, best way to prevent a fire?
<< < (4/4)
tridac:
Have several bits of kit that can run 24x7, computers, test gear  and work in progress The rule here is that any such kit running unattended must be in an all metal enclosure, correctly fused, or on a breaker. Keep all flammable solvents, gasses etc outside the lab, other than in minimal quantities, and remove when done. Pay attention to wiring installation quality as well, never skimp. Check power feeds and outlets once a year for loose terminations and crimps, especially for loads of more than a hundred watts. Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach, just outside the lab door. Little fire risk with a common sense approach and attention to detail...
zkrx:
All sound advices, some of which I already follow.

The house is recent, the roof is airtight, so heating will not be an issue. Trapping the fumes will be as I have no way to expell these outside (no window, no opening). A charcoal filter maybe? Not sure how often the filter will need to be changed.

The roof is low (1m50 at its center, I cannot stand straight). The (expensive) insulation panels from the roof are apparent. I think I'll protect them with some cheap LDPE plastic protective sheet.

The wooden floor has interstices with insulating material in it. Looks like wool, or worst case pulverized recycled paper. I wouldn't want 380°C solder splatter inside of these, and my landlord won't like finding SMD components scattered everywhere once I leave. I will need to cover the floor with something. A carpet sounds nice, except that it's hard to clean (also ESD?). Maybe the best way is to use cheap wooden flooring tiles: easy to vacuum.

Perhaps I should put my recycled 18650 battery cells outside in the garden  ;D.

As for the hacked chinese 3d printer with improvised heated chamber (the most hazardous of all)... most likely a no-go for the attic. Maybe in the garden shed?
zkrx:
> master switch

I personally use master switches everywhere (living room, kitchen, etc.) and turn them off whenever I'm done. I don't like wasted power/heat. It also prevents equipment from aging prematurely. I'm amazed how nobody I know does that. People don't realize how modern gear always stays on consuming power.
Navigation
Message Index
Previous page
There was an error while thanking
Thanking...

Go to full version
Powered by SMFPacks Advanced Attachments Uploader Mod