General > General Technical Chat
Moving the lab to the attic, best way to prevent a fire?
zkrx:
I've been working in my basement for 5+ years. All concrete walls, so I was not too scared of fire. I'm now moving to a new house without basement and the only place I have for my lab is the attic. Everything there is wooden: floor and roof, + modern isolation panels that look like they could catch fire (not sure what they are). What are your recommendations for adding a bit of protection?
For walls, roof and floor, I'm thinking something like plastic panels or maybe cheap carpet by the square meter (it's probably flame retardant - I know, not ideal). It's not a house I own, so I can't do anything I want, nor do I want to sacrifice too much money. I'm mainly looking for basic protection against solder splatters. Someone knows about a perfect lightweight and economical material? I have perhaps between 10-20 square meters to cover.
I'll buy a CO2 extinguisher and a fire blanket. Probably throw a smoke detector in there.
I usually power off my bench when I leave. Except for the occasions where I need to run an experiment over some time. I'm usually very disciplined with the soldering iron, but it didn't prevent me from forgetting it once or twice in 5 years...
Anyone went through a similar situation?
Oh, and don't get me started on the 3d printer...
tom66:
If you're worried about solder splatters setting something on fire, I think you're being a tad pessimistic. I've burned carpet in the past doing that, but it won't start a fire. Modern carpets are designed to not support combustion if a lit cigarette is dropped on them. The fire risks in an attic are mainly electrical. I don't know about houses in Iceland, but in the UK, many of the electrics go through the roof space, especially the upstairs lighting but often times some socket wiring is found there too. A loose connection or damaged cable can potentially start a fire, regardless of your lab.
The other thing that would concern me about an attic lab is that Iceland is not particularly warm for most of the year and most attics in European houses are 'cold roof' design, with the ceiling being insulated by a bed of insulating material. This is typically done because insulation (especially the cheaper stone wool/fibre wool stuff) benefits from thickness, a good insulation system will be 30-45cm of the stuff above the ceiling, and then the attic is kept well ventilated to reduce the chance of the timbers rotting and condensation forming on interior surfaces which can lead to mold etc. Have you thought about whether the temperature will be manageable in the winter? A heater adds fire risk, of course. Even if it is a 'warm roof', the area will usually be unheated (unless it's a conversion) and you will only have the benefit of passive heat from below, so I think it will feel reasonably cold in winter unless the insulation is excellent.
nctnico:
--- Quote from: zkrx on August 30, 2023, 09:07:01 pm ---I've been working in my basement for 5+ years. All concrete walls, so I was not too scared of fire. I'm now moving to a new house without basement and the only place I have for my lab is the attic. Everything there is wooden: floor and roof, + modern isolation panels that look like they could catch fire (not sure what they are). What are your recommendations for adding a bit of protection?
--- End quote ---
I have an attic lab/office. As tom66 noted, heating might be an issue so make sure to have some form of heating when it gets cold. Also make sure to have a smoke detector fitted. I find that important; in the end stuff can be replaced, family members and myself not so much.
An electrical fire is most likely so make sure to use good quality outlets & power cords. Only connect to mains what you use and leave everything else disconnected. Last but not least, make sure your equipment is electrically safe. Maybe have an inspector come over for a safety inspection.
Benta:
I think heating is the least problem in Iceland.
Apart from that, all very good points.
themadhippy:
--- Quote ---Everything there is wooden: floor and roof, + modern isolation panels
--- End quote ---
spray it with flamebar
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