Causes of fires
involving
television sets
in dwellings.
April 2001
Research commissioned by the Consumer Affairs Directorate, DTI.
Department of Trade and Industry
1 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0ET
Carried out under contract by:
Hilary Tait MSc, MA (Hons), RGN: and
Richard Bird BA (Hons), PG Dip.
URN 01/745
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Contents
THE RESEARCH – ITS OBJECTIVES METHOD AND SAMPLE
Introduction – the objectives of the research and the method used
Details of respondents/organisations contacted during the research
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2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4
REPORT SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Published UK TV fire data
The television market in the UK
Cause and development of the TV fire incidents
Results of further sampling undertaken to clarify the cause of TV fires
TV incidents relative to age and recalls by manufacturers
Technical investigation of TV fires
Investigation of TV fires by manufacturers
Regulations and standards applying to TV manufacture
TV fire data from other countries
Summary and conclusions of fire tests carried out by FRS
Conclusions
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DETAILED REPORT
Television fires in context with other fire incidents in dwellings
Where do TVs fit into the overall picture for Fire Incidents in Dwellings?
Is the recent increase seen in TV fires unique to TVs?
What factors not specific to TVs might have affected the trends in TV fires?
Where do TVs fit into the overall picture for fatalities?
Where do TVs fit into the overall picture for non-fatal injuries?
What is the risk of death or injury?
Do the Home Office Fire Statistics cover all fires?
What conclusion can be drawn from these statistics?
The television market in the UK
What are the trends in TV and VCR sales?
What does this represent in terms of ownership of TVs?
What are the future trends in TV technology and related products?
Television fires in relation to set population
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DETAILED ANALYSIS OF TELEVISION FIRES
‘Defect’ causing TV fires
The totals for TV fire incidents do not show an increase over recent years
The recorded causes of TV fires are dominated by ‘Faults within the appliance’
Who or what the TV fire was ‘Caused by’
34
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35
35
35
Defect causing injuries and fatalities in TV fires
Materials responsible for development of fire and spread of fire
‘Material first ignited’
‘Material mainly responsible for the development of the fire’
TVs involved in fires from other sources
‘Spread’ of the TV fire incidents
‘Area damaged by direct burning’ of the TV fire incidents
‘Total area damaged’ by the TV fire incidents
INCIDENT SAMPLES INVESTIGATED WITH INDIVIDUAL BRIGADES
Results from general sample of more serious TV fire incidents
In how many cases was there a fatality and were these investigated more thoroughly?
In how many incidents was the TV destroyed or badly damaged?
What descriptions were used for the faults ascribed to the incidents?
What descriptions were used for the ‘Material First Ignited’ & ‘Material Mainly Responsible?
Verbatim comments support the apparent use of 'Rubber Stamp' entries in FDR1s
Results from the analysis of all West Yorkshire TV fires 1996 to date
What proportion of West Yorkshire TV fires involved destruction of the TV?
What proportion of West Yorkshire TV incidents had 'general' fault descriptions?
What descriptions were used for the materials and spread involved in the TV fires?
How many of the West Yorkshire Incidents give a 'better than general' description
of the fault or materials involved in the spread?
How many of the West Yorkshire TV incidents were blamed on external factors?
Results from the analysis of LFCDA TV fires 1995 to date
What was the stated cause of the LFCDA TV Fire Incidents?
What was the extent of damage to the TV by cause?
Which makes of TV are most involved in LFCDA incidents?
Have there been many product recalls on TVs and do these reflect in the fire data?
Recalls of television sets identified
Proportion of LFCDA TVs of quoted age subject to recall
What technical investigation has been undertake by LFCDA into TV fire incidents?
Which 'makes' were involved in the faults identified by Stanger?
What can be taken from findings of the Stanger investigations?
How do these causes compare to those detailed in the Sambrook report?
What were the results of the word search of the LFCDA database?
Published Report on Nightlights and TV Fires
Investigation of TV fire incidents by manufacturers
Increase in insurance claims on manufacturers
TV sets are easily blamed for fires
TV sets produced to the IEC regulations do not start fires
Faults that could have effected the incidence of TV fires
Not all TV sets are produced by BREMA members
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Regulations and other factors affecting the safety of TVs
Adverse publicity regarding Brominated flame-retardants
EACEM advice to TV manufacturers
WEEE Directive
Revision to IEC 60065
Have these changes to IEC 60065 caused any increase in TV fires?
Has the change to IEC 60065 had any effect on the fire statistics to date?
Does the situation in the USA differ from that in Europe?
What level of flame retardancy was used or was required in Europe?
Do the requirements for computer monitors differ from those of TV sets?
Comparison of TV fire trends in other countries
Netherlands
Sweden
Norway
Denmark
Finland
United States of America
How do the US TV fire statistics compare to those for the UK?
Other factors involved in TV fires
Which are the key months for TV fires?
What time of day is key for TV fires?
What type of property is involved in TV fires?
Which room is most involved in TV fires?
APPENDIX
FLAMMABILITY OF TELEVISIONS – FRS FIRE TESTS
Background
Introduction
Phase 1 fire tests
Phase 2 ignitability under calorimeter
Phase 3 effects of restricting ventilation
Discussion of results
Future work
Conclusions
References
Acknowledgements
Plates 31-32
Annex
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The Research –
Its objectives method and sample
INTRODUCTION – THE OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH AND THE METHOD USED
The published data for television fires in UK dwellings show a 60% increase over the four
years 1993 to 1997. The DTI wishes to identify the causes of these fires and to predict the
impact of any changes in standards and the use of different materials in the construction
of televisions on the incidence and severity of TV fires.
Background
Home Office statistics indicate that television sets were involved in 693 incidents in 1997. This
compares with 441 incidents in 1993, an increase over the four years of around 60%. This has
occurred at a time when there are moves to promote the use of more environmentally friendly
materials in the construction of TVs in Europe. There appears to be a conflict between moves
to reduce the use of the flame-retardant materials in TVs and the need for fire safety.
The objectives of this project
The work was required to:
• Establish the facts and the trends – what are the real causes of television fires? Was it
product failure or misuse? Was the source of ignition internal or external? Were some models
more susceptible and was the age of the TV a factor?
• Establish other relevant information – what are the comparable trends in other European
countries and the USA? What other studies have been done? What standards are applicable
that appear to affect the incidence of TV fires? What trends will influence the direction of the
TV market and its technology? What changes in regulation are planned? Are new materials
under consideration/development?
• Fire Testing – to model the effect of any changes in standards or regulations on the fire
performance of televisions, as identified by the research above, including using nightlights/
candles as the source of ignition in room settings and in controlled tests.
• Conclusions – draw the results together in order to predict the likely outcome of the factors
and trends identified in TV fire incidents and propose potential action for discussion.
Page 1
The method of work used in this project
The research was carried out in several interlocking stages:
• Analysis of published Home Office Fire Statistics;
• Detailed analysis of the Home Office database relating to incidents involving TVs, compiled
from a sample of the FDR1 forms completed at the incident by the officer in charge;
• Review of a sample of TV fire incidents with the individual brigades concerned to gain
additional insight into the actual wording used on the FDR1, any investigation reports
available and any factors which could be recalled by the investigating officer concerned;
• Review of all TV fire incidents in the West Yorkshire Brigade area;
• Review of the LFCDA (London Fire & Civil Defence Authority) fire investigation database
and investigations undertaken by Stanger Science & Environment on behalf of LFCDA;
• Desk research & Internet search;
• Gathering of TV recall data;
• Discussions with Manufacturers, Trade Associations, Retailers, Rental Companies and Insurers;
• Discussion and data gathering with relevant overseas bodies involved in TV fire
investigation, research, statistics and other interested parties;
• Fire testing at FRS.
DETAILS OF RESPONDENTS/ORGANISATIONS CONTACTED DURING THE RESEARCH
Fire incident FDR1 Statistics
Home Office Statistical Department
CACFOA (Chief & Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association)
LFCDA (London Fire & Civil Defence Authority)
Stanger Science & Environment
West Yorkshire Fire Brigade
Fire brigade general samples
Brigades requested
54
Incidents requested 299
Page 2
Responded
42 (78% response)
Data received for 155 (52% response)
Manufacturers, Manufacturer's Association, Retailers, Rental & Service
BREMA (British Radio & Electronic Equipment Manufacturer's Association)
Mitsubishi
Thomson
Comet
Panasonic
Toshiba
Dixons
Philips
Sharp
Granada
Sony
Eric Evans
Overseas Contacts
USA
CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
US Fire Marshals
Netherlands
CBS (Central Bureau of Statistics)
Sweden
SP National Testing & Research Institute
Denmark
Danish Electrical Equipment Control Office
Finland
TUKES (Safety Technology Authority)
Germany
Fire & Environmental Protection Service
Norway
Directorate of Fires & Explosions
Other Contacts
DTI (Department of Trade & Industry)
DETR (Department of the Environment, Transport & Regions)
Consumers Association Research & Testing Centre
Forensic Science Service
Trading Standards
ACFSE (Alliance for Consumer Safety in Europe)
EBFRIP (European Brominated flame-retardant Industry Panel)
BSEF (Brominated Science & Environment Forum)
Association of British Insurers
Burgoyne
Page 3
Executive summary
and recommendations
After a considerable decrease in the number of television fires from 1983 to 1993 (from 1300
to 400), Home Office published data on TV fires appear to show a steady increase in incidents
from 1993 onwards. The purpose of this study is to understand the reasons for this increase.
Part of the increase can be explained by an increase in TV set numbers with people owning
more than one set and keeping old sets for longer. However, fires from other electrical sources
analysed also show a similar increase. The trend in TV fires and others, is likely to have been
exaggerated by changes in the gathering, analysis and subsequent weighting of the data. It may
be misleading therefore to take the data at face value.
Despite the high population of TV sets in the UK (over 38 million), TVs accounted for only 2%
of overall home fires from electrical sources and were the lowest of the key electrical
sources analysed.
Also during this study, we looked at whether changes in any TV manufacturing standards could
account for the rise in fires. There was no evidence to support this; nor was there any indication
of an increase in the severity. Previous work undertaken by London Fire Brigade had suggested
that, even if a TV had not caused a fire through internal ignition, it could be ignited from an
external source such as a candle or nightlight. However, even if an external source has ignited
the TV, the TV is often still wrongly blamed as the source of ignition, because it is the most
damaged item. The data analysed for this report suggests that around 20% of TV fire incidents are
caused by external sources and the proportion may be higher still. Further work is necessary to
gain an accurate assessment of the involvement of external sources.
Televisions on sale in the UK and Europe are manufactured to IEC 60065, but televisions in the US
are manufactured to a voluntary US standard that specifies the use of flame-retardant plastic in
the TV case. A similar standard applies in Japan. Both US and European standards appear to give
an adequate level of protection from the risk of fire started by an internal fire source in the TV.
However, differences exist in how easily TVs manufactured to each standard can be ignited by
an external source. If a TV does catch fire, or is involved in a fire, it represents a high fire load
factor. Tests, undertaken by FRS as part of this project, show that TVs manufactured to the basic
requirements of the international regulations IEC 60065 can be ignited by a relatively low energy
source, such as a nightlight. Once ignited, they burn fiercely and give off toxic smoke.
In contrast, TV cases built to the voluntary US standard are dosed with flame-retardant and are
very difficult to ignite and tend to self extinguish. Once they are alight, however, they will also
burn fiercely and give off toxic smoke. The UK has a risk of TV fires per million sets that is almost
three times higher than in the US. This fact supports the case that some of the reported TV fires
could be caused by ignition sources outside the TV.
Weighed against this is the desire to reduce the amount of fire retardant chemicals used in TVs
and to increase their ease of recycling. Indeed, IEC 60065 has been revised to allow less dependency
on fire retardant material, through strengthening the requirements to prevent ignition within the
product. If it is accepted that TV fires are caused by internal ignition then there is little need for
flame-retardant material in the TV case.
Page 4
More work is needed to determine how many TV fires are caused by external ignition sources such
as candles and nightlights. Should a fire occur in the room, the television will add considerably
to the fire load. It is estimated that at least 20%, and possibly double that, of dwelling fires involving
TV sets are from sources of ignition outside the TV case.
This research should aid all involved in the development of European standards in considering
whether TVs should be designed to withstand external as well as internal ignition sources.
Page 5
Report summary and conclusions
The apparent increase in TV fires appears to be overstated. TVs account for a low proportion
of electrical fires in dwellings. TV fires are seldom investigated, there is little accurate
data as to the cause of TV fires and the TV appears to be blamed because it is the most
damaged item.
External sources of ignition, notably the increasing use of candles and nightlights on or close
to TVs, account for 20% or more of TV fires. Tests also show that TVs represent a high fire load
in a room, and yet current regulation takes no account of external sources and requires no
flame-retardant material in the TV case. In Europe, environmental pressure and the WEEE
directive on waste are forcing the TV manufacturers to abandon brominated flame-retardant
material. This is contrary to the voluntary agreements in the USA, where the risk of TV fires
is significantly lower due, in a large part, to the use of V-0 flame-retardant material.
If TV fires are to be reduced, the regulations must consider the TV as part of its environment,
consumer behaviour needs to be addressed and more accurate investigation into TV fires
is required to establish the facts.
PUBLISHED UK TV FIRE DATA
TVs accounted for an average of 621 incidents, 3 fatalities and 174 non-fatal injuries per year
over the 5 years 1994 to 1998. This represents a small proportion of the 31,678 incidents, 91
fatalities and 5,717 non-fatal injuries from all electrical sources in dwelling fires.
TV fire incidents relative to other electrical sources
• TV fire incidents declined dramatically from 1983 to 1988, but have risen again from 1993, in
common with other key electrical sources. The increase is not specific to TVs and does not,
therefore, appear to reflect an increasing problem with TV fires.
Trend in TV Fire Incidents and Ratio to TV Set Numbers
50
1400
45
1200
40
35
30
800
25
600
20
400
15
10
200
5
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
TV fires
Page 6
90
91
92
Fires per m sets
93
94
95
96
97
98
Fires per m sets
TV Fires
1000
• Top-line data appears to show a 60% increase in incidents from ’93 to ’97. However, this
appears likely to have been distorted by changes in the gathering and analysis of fire
statistics and should not be taken at face value.
• Viewing the incidence of TV set fires in relation to the overall TV population, lessens the
apparent growth of TV incidents over the period 1993 to 1997.
• Overall UK fire statistics show an average of 55,000 fire incidents in homes over the five
years 1994 – 1998. Electrical sources accounted for 58% of those incidents. Incidents
involving electrical sources were dominated by 'Electric Cooking' (66%). 'Washing/Drying'
(10%), 'Electrical Distribution' (7%) and 'Electric Heating' (5%) were also key.
• Despite the high numbers of television sets in the UK (over 38 million), they accounted for
only 2% of overall fire incidents in homes from electrical sources and were the lowest key
electrical sources analysed.
TV Fatalities relative to other sources
• TVs account for 4% of all fatalities in homes caused by fires from an electrical source.
• TVs cause far fewer fatalities than those caused by electric cookers, heaters, blankets and
distribution.
• A fatality occurs in 4.8 out of every 1,000 TV related fire incidents attended by brigades. This
compares to 8.6 fatalities per 1,000 incidents for all types of home fires and 2.9 per 1,000 for
all electrical sources. The ratio of fatalities in TV incidents is significantly lower than for
electric blankets and electric space heaters.
• This represents an average of 0.09 deaths per million TVs each year over the past 5 years.
• The incidence of fatalities has not been affected by any changes in data collection.
TV Non-fatal Injury relative to other sources
• TVs account for 3% of non-fatal injuries from home fires caused by an electrical source.
• Non-fatal injuries caused by TVs are well below those caused by electric cookers, heaters
and electricity distribution equipment.
• Taken at face value, the non-fatal injuries have averaged 174 per annum over the past 5 years.
A non-fatal injury occurs in 280 out of every 1,000 TV fire incidents. This ratio is higher than
the total for all home fires and for all electrical sources. The injury ratio for TV incidents
is high and close to that of electric blankets. It is higher than for all other key sources.
• The risk of non-fatal injury in relation to the number of TVs has averaged 4.7 per million sets
over the past 5 years.
• Non-fatal injuries resulting from TV fires have apparently increased over the period 1992 to
1998. However, this apparent increase is likely to have mirrored the trend, highlighted by the
Home Office, to refer anyone involved in a fire for a check-up whether injured or not, in order
to pre-empt any repercussions should problems subsequently arise.
• It was not possible however, to determine how many of these injuries were serious and how
many represented precautionary checks. The data could, therefore, could be significantly
overstating the risk of serious injury.
Page 7
Timing and location of TV fire incidents
• TV fires occur most frequently in December (11%) and January (14%), but are spread across
the year; May (5%) and February (6%) are the lowest. February would not be expected to
be the second lowest month but there is insufficient data to explain why this was the case.
• Most TV fires occur in the evening (35%), followed by afternoon (24%), night (22%) and with
morning not far behind at 19%. Evening is peak viewing.
The result for fires at night is higher than might be expected if viewing is a factor. However,
the use of stand-by mode or TVs left 'on' while the occupiers fall asleep could be responsible.
It could also be the time when candles or nightlights left on or near the TV might have
reached the critical stage.
• 26% of TV fires occur in terrace houses, 20% in semi-detached, 15% in detached and 19%
in flats, with purpose built accounting for three-quarters of the incidents in flats. 20%
were unspecified.
• When the split of TV fires is compared to the national housing stock, the relative risk of
a TV fire is around 50% greater in terraced properties or flats than in detached or semidetached properties.
• 71% of incidents occur in the living room and 22% in the bedroom, where second sets are
increasingly popular in bedrooms or children's rooms
THE TELEVISION MARKET IN THE UK
• Sales of TVs have increased dramatically from 1990 to 1999, for both portables and main sets,
reaching a total of 5.57 million in 1999. VCRs (Video Cassette Recorders) were introduced in
1978 and sales, including rental sales, reached 3.46 million in 1998.
• The number of TV sets calculated by BREMA shows a peak in 1989, followed by a trough as
sales declined in recession and then growth to reach 40.3 million sets in 1999. BREMA
projections of set numbers predict a continued growth as sales of new technology sets add
to an existing number of sets, which are more reliable and therefore are retained rather than
replaced.
• More portable sets are also being purchased and used for the bedroom, children’s room
or kitchen.
• There are now 1.7 TV sets per household according to BREMA.
Future Trends
• Some significant changes are predicted for the TV market in the future. Most notable being
the introduction of digital TV and the dramatic increase in the number of Set-top boxes this
will involve in the short/medium term. IDTVs (Integrated Digital TVs) are expected to replace
current analogue sets on a normal replacement cycle of 8 -10 years.
Page 8
• BREMA estimate that 30% of UK households now subscribe to Pay-TV – over 7 million households.
By 2003, 50% of UK homes will have some form of digital receiver (set-top-box or IDTV) and
will have reached 100% by 2007. BREMA estimate that 25 million IDTV receivers will have
been sold in the UK by 2010.
• The use of plasma or LCD ultra-slim screens is expected to increase: Sharp, who claim to be
world leaders in LCD screens, predict that, by 2005, they will no longer use cathode ray tubes
in their TVs.
• TVs are likely to be used increasingly for Internet access, extending the hours over which the
TV is in use.
CAUSE AND DEVELOPMENT OF TV FIRE INCIDENTS
Defect/Cause
• The cause of TV fires is overwhelmingly reported as ‘Fault within the appliance’. Of the
1,131 incidents of accidental TV fires in homes, 980 (87%) are blamed on ‘Internal faults’.
Other common faults are reported as ‘Overheating (4%) & ‘Power left on’ (3%).
• As might be expected when the cause of the incidents is largely attributed to faults within
the appliance, the majority of incidents are coded to ‘Not person or animal’ (85%). 97 incidents
are coded to an ‘Adult’ causing the incident. It would reasonably be expected that the incidents
attributed to 'Adult' would indicate more behavioural factors as being the cause.
• This is not the case, however, as 70% of incidents coded as being caused by an ‘Adult’ again
blame an ‘Internal fault or defect in the appliance’ as being the cause. A further 12% are
coded as being due to the TV being left on or in standby mode – both of which the modern
TV is designed to do. Only 11 incidents are coded to a behavioural factor.
• BSG is therefore suspicious as to the accuracy of the ‘defect/fault’ coding applied to TV fire
incidents.
• Most fatalities and injuries are attributed to faults within the appliance.
Material involved in the development of the TV fire
• The coding suggests that in almost 70% of the incidents, it is electrical insulation that is the
material first ignited.
• Within the Home Office coding system, there is no specific code for the TV case – this can
only be coded as ‘other/plastic’. It is assumed therefore that the second largest total of 14%
for 'Other/Plastic' refers to the TV case as being the material first ignited.
• When the two sets of coding are compared, of the 446 incidents where the ‘material mainly
responsible’ was coded as ‘electrical insulation/plastic’, 430 were also coded for ‘material
first ignited’ as ‘electrical insulation/plastic’. Only 175 of these incidents were ‘Confined to
the Appliance’, in 181 of the incidents, the fire spread beyond the appliance.
• It does not seem reasonable that the fire should spread beyond the appliance in so many
incidents and yet that the material mainly responsible is electrical insulation.
Page 9
• Of the 354 incidents where the TV case (other/plastic) appeared to be the ‘material mainly
responsible’ for the development of the fire, 176 were coded as ‘insulation/plastic’ and 119 as
‘other/plastic’ as the ‘material first ignited’.
• Therefore, 919 of the 1,131 incidents have been coded to a combination these two codes and
565 incidents (50%) have duplicate entries of the same code.
Spread of TV fires
• 59% of the fires attributed to TVs spread beyond the appliance, while 39% of the 1,131
incidents were confined to the appliance. Therefore, in these TV incidents, there was a 60%
probability of the fire spreading beyond the appliance.
• Fatal and non-fatal injuries can result even when the TV fire is confined to the appliance.
This is assumed to be the result of the smoke emitted when the TV materials burn. As tests
showed, a TV fire develops large amounts of dense smoke very quickly.
• As might be expected, the numbers of fatalities and deaths are greater when the fire spreads
beyond the appliance.
• The total area damaged by fire, heat and smoke indicates that 67% of the incidents had an
area damaged greater than 10m2 and a third of incidents with an area greater than 50m2 i.e.
well beyond the room of origin.
• Fatalities are more likely when the total area damaged is greater than 50m2. In relative terms,
non-fatal injuries are more likely when the total area damaged is greater than 20m2. and are
very much less likely if the area is under 1m2.
The Home Office data does not give a reliable indication of the cause of TV fires
The Home Office database, coded from the FDR1 reports produced at the scene by the officer in
charge, would appear not to give any clear indication as to the cause or development of TV fires
and, in some cases, the data is contradictory to other entries.
RESULTS OF FURTHER SAMPLING UNDERTAKEN TO CLARIFY THE CAUSE OF TV FIRES
Further investigation was, therefore, undertaken by BSG to clarify the cause and the reason for
the coding applied. Three samples were undertaken: a general sample of the more serious TV
fire incidents across all brigades, a 100% sample of West Yorkshire TV fire incidents and an
analysis of the LFCDA (London Fire & Civil Defence Authority) fire investigation database.
General Sample
• A sample of 155 incidents was analysed for the original text used on the FDR1s to describe
the fault and the materials involved.
• The result shows that little or no investigation of TV fires is undertaken and that, in the main,
very general descriptions are used.
Page 10
• In only 22 of the 155 incidents was there a specific or detailed description of the fault. The
high proportion of 'general descriptions' raises doubt as to the extent to which the fault is
really ‘known’ or has been ‘assumed’.
• The subsequent coding and analysis of these general comments is hiding what appears to
be a general assumption that a badly damaged TV must have been 'the cause' of the fire.
• The comments from the brigades confirm the impression left by the largely general descriptions
used, that little or no investigation is undertaken on TV fires and that 'a form of words', most
commonly 'electrical fault – insulation/PVC – ditto' is used to 'rubber stamp' the FDR1 form.
• As a result, it is possible that a significant number of TV fires have been blamed on the TV,
where they might equally have been caused by an external source, action or behaviour.
• Fatal incidents do not appear to be investigated or recorded any more thoroughly than
non-fatal incidents and it appears that the number of fatalities due to TV faults is overstated
in the Home Office data.
• The conclusion from the details provided by the brigades concerned must be that in only
one fatal incident out of 11 is there reasonable evidence to show that the TV was actually to
blame.
• Evidence was provided by data from Strathclyde, as an add-on to the general sample, that
awareness of the potential involvement of external sources in TV fires could affect the
conclusions drawn in reporting them.
The result of work on nightlights related to TV fires, undertaken by LFCDA, was discussed at
a conference in December 1998, attended by personnel from Strathclyde Fire Investigation
Unit. With their help, BSG compared the results found in the 5 years to the end of 1998 with
the latest data Strathclyde could provide – to July 1999.
Of the six TV fire incidents that occurred in the first part of 1999, three included reference to
nightlights or candles. In the incidents sampled prior to the Strathclyde officers being made
aware of the nightlight candle problem, there were no references found in TV fires to such
external sources.
West Yorkshire
• Analysis of all West Yorkshire TV fire incidents showed that only 3 of the 94 TV fire incidents
gave a reasonable indication of what happened and why. The remaining 91 incidents were
all blamed on the TV, but none had been investigated and all had general comments as to
the fault and/or the materials involved.
• In the 3 incidents where there was a reasonable indication of what happened and why, all
referred to external factors in causing the TV fire: 'Bedding on the TV', 'Candles on the TV'
and 'Children plugging in and switching on a TV known to be defective'.
• The TV was destroyed in 81% of the incidents.
Page 11
LFCDA database
• The LFCDA fire investigation database identified 197 incidents where a TV was coded as the
source. A specific cause was given for only 7 of the 197 incidents (4%). In these 7 incidents,
the cause would appear not to be a fault with the TV. In 5, an external source is given: nightlight,
candleholder found, lightning strike, soft toy and watering plant. In another, the cause was a
build up of dust inside the TV, and, in the remaining incident; the fault was in the mains cable.
• In 21 out of 197 incidents (11%), details were given as to the component or the location where
the fire started. The most common fault involved the TV 'switch' (13 incidents).
• LFCDA data follows the pattern seen in both the 'General sample' and the West Yorkshire
sample, in that the majority of incidents are described in 'general terms'. The largest category
(113 incidents) referred to 'insulation' or 'wiring'.
BSG requested LFCDA to analyse their database for incidents where TVs were mentioned
in the text as being involved in a fire where the TV was not the source.
• 41 incidents were identified where the TV had been involved either directly or where the
fire had spread to the TV.
• 26 incidents involved candles or nightlights placed directly on the TV. Candles and nightlights
were also involved in three incidents where the fire spread to the TV:
• Adding these 41 cases to the 7 incidents identified from the main LFCDA database, which
were shown to be external sources or not the fault of the TV, shows that TVs were directly
or indirectly involved in 238 incidents, in 48 of which the source was external (20%).
• If this sample is typical in other brigades, where the investigation of TV fires is less detailed,
then it is estimated that at least 20% of all TV fire incidents involve external sources. The figure
could be significantly higher, since the description of the faults and the materials, involved in
many of the incidents ascribed to TV faults, are couched in 'general terms'. The high proportion
of TVs that are severely damaged in such incidents would make any examination very difficult
and it is possible that an external source could have been overlooked.
TV INCIDENTS RELATIVE TO AGE AND RECALLS BY MANUFACTURERS
LFCDA record the age, make and model of the TV involved in an incident to a far greater extent
than other brigades. This allowed BSG to undertake more detailed analysis of TV incidents in
relation to date of manufacture and TV recalls by manufacturers:
• TV faults occur at all ages. 80% of incidents occur up to 10 years after purchase and 50%
within the first 5 years.
• Analysis of TV incidents by year of purchase reveals significant peaks in 1987, 1993, 1994
and 1996, which are not significantly altered when related to the totals sales of TV by year.
• Twelve recall notices involving TVs have been identified since 1989. The TV manufacturers
report that only a low percentage of the TV sets subject to a recall notice are actually returned
for attention.
• Where the fault involved in a recall can cause fire, it would be expected, since only a small
proportion are corrected, that a significant number of incidents relating to these recalls
would subsequently appear in the fire brigade data.
Page 12
• However, applying the recall dates to the LFCDA data indicates that only 26 of the 149
incidents with stated makes/models appear to involve TVs subject to recall. This represents
17% of all TV incidents. Given the number of TV recalls over the years and the low
proportion of sets modified as a result of a recall notice, this is not unexpectedly high.
TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF TV FIRES
LFCDA refer specific incidents to Stanger Science and Environment for scientific and technical
investigation. BSG were given access to Stanger's investigations on TV fires.
• From 1994 to 1999 Stanger had investigated 49 TV fire incidents. These covered 19 different
'makes', with 6 TV sets where the make could not be identified from the severely damaged
remains.
• Stanger was able to identify the type of faults in 30 of the 49 investigations (61%). On/off
switch problems were the most common and problems with the input supply and mains
lead also featured strongly.
• In 8 of the 49 investigations (16%) the cause of the fire appeared not to have been the TV.
External sources, such as candles/nightlights, are a potential hazard for TVs.
Candles/nightlights were believed to be the cause of four of the incidents.
• Even with the resources and expertise available at Stanger, the cause was not able to be
determined in 11 out of the 49 incidents (23%).
• It is not surprising, therefore, that Fire Brigade personnel describe TV fires in such general
terms when technical investigation is not available. LFCDA appears to be the only brigade
using such technical investigation on electrical appliances.
INVESTIGATION OF TV FIRES BY MANUFACTURERS
• TV manufacturers have seen an increase in 'insurance claims' relating to TV fire incidents but
state that from their investigations around 99% of TV fires are due to an external cause. The
TV manufacturers state that fraudulent claims are common.
• TV sets tend to ‘attract’ fire, show obvious evidence of their involvement in a fire and often
are the most severely damaged item. This leads to the TV being cited as the ‘source’ in the
absence of careful forensic investigation. Manufacturers gave examples of this, including one
incident where the TV was blamed, but, when the severely damaged case and imploded
tube were carefully cut away and the circuit boards and other electrical components were
fitted to a new case and tube, the set worked perfectly.
• The BREMA members are adamant that TV sets made to IEC 60065 do not start fires.
• It was estimated that non-BREMA members produced around 40% of TVs sold in the UK.
BREMA members argue that the review of the Low Voltage Directive should include tracking
the origin of products that were imported into the community. The lack of control in this area
is said to be "cause for considerable concern".
Page 13
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS APPLYING TO TV MANUFACTURE
• Adverse publicity against halogenated flame-retardants and restrictions likely to be imposed
on their use by the EU WEEE directive, have resulted in some manufacturers reducing the
flame-retardant content of TVs.
• The IEC 60065 standard relating to the manufacture of TV sets has been amended to avoid
the need for flame-retardants in the backplate (rear cover) of the TV case by concentrating
on making the TVs safer from internal ignition and by choosing to ignore external sources.
IEC 60065 changes have yet to impact on TV production.
• Some manufacturers in the UK still choose to use V-0 flame-retardant material in the manufacture
of their TV back-plates and one has introduced non-halogenated flame-retardants.
• The situation in Europe differs from the USA, where high levels of flame retardancy have
been voluntarily incorporated into TV cases and is held to have significantly reduced the
incidence of TV fires in the USA.
TV FIRE DATA FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
Netherlands
• Data from the Netherlands Statistics Institute (CBS) showed TVs to be the second largest
cause of fire (after washer/dryers) in electrical appliances with 185 incidents in 1995 caused
by misuse or malfunctioning appliances.
• The CBS statistics show that TV fires account for 1.1% of all interior fires (not just dwellings).
• TV fires in the Netherlands have declined by 20% from a peak in 1995.
Norway
• TV fires in Norway peaked in 1995/96 and have fallen back 20% in 1997/98. Most fires are
put down to electrical causes.
Sweden
• The SP Swedish National Testing & Research Institute has been very active in research into
TV fires, with papers on the Fire Safety of TV Set Enclosure Material and Life Cycle
Assessment (LCA) of Flame-Retardants in TV Enclosures and further work in progress.
• Approximately 750 audio-visual fires occur per year in Sweden. These were all large enough
to have spread beyond the TV casing. A further 1750 were either contained within the casing
or were caused by external sources.
• Expressed per million TVs in Sweden, 100 TV fires/m TVs are due to internal ignition and
breach the enclosure. 160 TV fires/m TVs do not breach the enclosure. 65 TV fires/m are
due to external sources (20% of the total).
• Using the adjusted data, the report shows an increasing trend in TV fires due to internal
ignition and which breach the enclosure, from around 50/m in 1990 to 100/m in 1995, and
increase of 101%.
Page 14
Denmark
• The Market Surveillance Board of the Danish Electrical Equipment Control Office published a
report on 'Television Fires' dated 1995. The report concludes that: "It has not been found that
the use of TV sets presents any particular risk of fire".
• It was established that TV sets, once they catch fire, burn quite fiercely, which makes a
considerable contribution to the total damage caused by the fire. "The requirements for the
fire qualities of the rear cover are considered to be not sufficiently stringent. It is also a
deficiency of the standard that there are no requirements for the fire qualities of the other
components of the outer casing."
Finland
• Initial results from a major survey of electrical fires in Finland, appear to show around 40%
external sources for TV fires, but external sources may be even higher. It is also believed that
internal sources are not common without the user's involvement.
United States of America
• The US statistics show a decline in TV fire incidents over the period 1992 to 1996 of around
30%. The fire death rate is relatively low and appears to have been rounded in weighting at
either 10 or 20 per year.
• The statistics show that the average property loss from a TV fire, at $18.8k, is greater than
for electrical appliances as a whole and for residential fires overall. The US TV fires appear,
therefore, to be serious and to involve significant damage to material other than the TV.
• In comparison to the UK, the ratio of death per million sets in the US is very similar at 0.07
per million sets, but the risk of injury is significantly lower.
• Overall the risk of TV fire incident per million sets is 280% greater in the UK than in the US.
• One of the main factors likely to have impacted on this comparison is the material used for
the TV casing in the US. It is reported that V-0 material is used for the majority of TV cases in
the US, whereas in the UK, the V-0 material is only used voluntarily by some brands. Other
TVs in the UK use HB material, which is much more easily ignited and therefore more susceptible
to being involved in fire incidents, whether internally or externally generated. In addition,
only the back cover of the TV case has been required to be of flame-retardant material.
• A paper was prepared for the Brominated flame-retardant Industry Panel in April 1997 "The
Life Safety Benefits of Brominated flame-retardants in the US". This estimated that the total
number of lives saved annually by the use of Brominated Flame-Retardants in TV cabinets
is 190. This paper shows that the US TV industry, in co-operation with the Underwriters
Laboratories, produced an effective voluntary standard following the US CPSC moves in 1973
to set a mandatory standard. As a result, the rate of residential TV fires dropped by 73% from
4,500 in 1983 to 1,200 in 1991 – almost twice the rate of decrease for fires in general. CPSC
estimated that the number of deaths associated with TV fires fell by up to 90% from the early
90s to date, but the report states that no hard statistics are available. The figure of 190 lives
saved is based on the upper limit of estimated deaths for 1976 and 1992. At the lower limit,
Page 15
the number of lives saved annually is 19. The report quotes the most likely saving as 87, based
on an estimate for 1992 of 9 deaths. The estimate now published by CPSC is 20 deaths in 1992.
• Not all the reduction in lives saved will be attributable to the introduction of flame-retardant
material. As has been discussed for the UK, a considerable reduction in incidents and consequent
deaths could also be attributed to improvements in the electrical safety of the TV sets.
• In the US, TVs tend to be housed in cabinets or shelving units, rather than being free standing.
The result would appear to be that UK TVs are significantly more likely to be subject to external
fire sources. If a TV is free standing, then it is open to candles and nightlights being placed on
the top of the TV. If the TV is enclosed, then it is unlikely that any potential fire source would,
or could, be placed on the TV.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS OF FIRE TESTS CARRIED OUT BY FRS
From the TV fire data analysed, it became clear that there is no accurate data as to the cause of
TV fires in the UK and that data provided by individual brigades and TV manufacturers/retailers
indicates a significant contribution from external sources to reported TV fires. It also became clear
that the TV was often blamed simply because it was the most damaged item, seeming to attract
fire to itself. From a number of case studies identified, it became clear that the progress of fire
around a room could be misinterpreted after the event.
In order to assess the behaviour of modern television sets in a fire and to examine the premise
that it is easy to confuse the stage at which a television can be said to be involved in a fire,
a three phase programme of indicative fire tests was carried out by FRS (Fire Research Station)
– part of the Building Research Establishment.
Phase 1 – partial room burns with the TV in primary or secondary involvement
• Two UK-purchased 25" televisions were placed with furnishings from IKEA and assembled into
duplicate partial room sets in the living room of the three-bedroom house at the BRE Cardington
hangar. One set was ignited by ignition of an adjacent chair, with the fire transmitted via curtains
to the TV. The other set was ignited directly by a nightlight and the fire was then transmitted
via the curtains to the chair. In both situations, the source of ignition was nightlight.
• The results showed that it could be very difficult to distinguish between a fire that has reached
a TV as a secondary phase (i.e. the chair being the initial seat of the fire) and one where the
TV was primarily involved in the development of the fire (i.e. the TV case was ignited directly).
• The resulting damaged TVs were presented to a fire investigation workshop at FRS immediately
after the tests. Many of the 60 investigators and researchers were unable to distinguish, from the
damaged sets, which set had been involved primarily in the fire and which at a secondary phase.
Page 16
Phase 2 – calorimeter burns of UK and USA TVs using internal and external ignition sources.
• Four calorimeter tests were undertaken at FRS using two TVs purchased in the UK and two
comparable TVs purchased in the USA. This part of the study was used to establish whether
the same ignition source i.e. a nightlight with two matches, could ignite both American and
British television sets externally and internally. Measurements were taken of heat release,
CO and smoke production.
• A fifth test was then undertaken to attempt external ignition of a USA purchased set using
a sustained 30kW T-burner.
• It was clear that the presence of fire retardant in the USA sets is very effective in reducing
ignition and promoting self-extinction.
• The heat release is also reduced in the American set, peaking at 177kW, compared to the
230-248 kW in the British sets.
• Smoke production was less overall in the American set, 4234 m3, compared to 4494 m3 and
4566 m3 in the British sets but peaked at a higher rate.
• A similar pattern of carbon monoxide and dioxide production can be seen in both, with the
American set production peaking well above the British sets.
• The difficulty in igniting the American sets confirms the effectiveness of the flame-retardant
present in the impact resistant polystyrene casing used.
• There may be implications for the design of British sets from this work. The less contoured
shape of the American sets means the volume of air above the printed circuit board is larger
and so the effects of heat from a failed component is less likely to involve the casing.
Phase 3 – effect of ventilation on running temperature of a UK television associated
with a VCR and a set-top box
• Most main TVs sold in the UK are supplied with a suitable stand to house the TV, VCR and
set-top box in a suitably ventilated arrangement. However, it is apparent from magazines
and DIY TV programmes that hiding a TV set from view is often a preferred design option.
• In phase 3, the tests were designed to compare the working temperatures of a TV, VCR and
set-top box combination in both the recommended, well-ventilated arrangement and when
the three items are stacked on each other inside a poorly ventilated cupboard.
• The effect of restricting ventilation to the set does allow some internal heating but in the new
set obtained, the temperature rise above ambient was only in the region of 19 deg. C. This is
unlikely to lead to serious problems of overheating. Indeed, restriction of ventilation is part
of the IEC 60065 requirements and must be tested for by operating the TV in a box.
Page 17
Response of smoke alarms
• Both the room burn and calorimeter tests were also designed to test the response to such
fires by smoke alarms.
• A smoke alarm will trigger earlier from smoke generated by furniture and furnishings. If the
TV is the main item burning, the warning can be delayed.
• When considering the time taken for black smoke to be generated from the single televisions
under the calorimeter, it varied as to whether the ignition was internal or external. External
ignition with a flame in excess of 25mm and being very well ventilated occurred just after
2min. Internal ignition with a flame of the same size but inside the set, took 24min to
generate black smoke.
Future work suggested by FRS
• In view of the misreporting of fires in television sets as to when and how they become
involved, it is suggested that the UK Fire Service be invited to monitor and record all
television fires during December 2000 to the end of February 2001. Information could then
be passed to the Fire Service Inspectorate Information Bureau in Woking for collation.
Further, where there is a doubt as to the cause of the fire, either internal/electrical or
external, BREMA and the manufacturers of particular sets be also invited to investigate
the fire.
• The effect of restricted ventilation on existing sets up to twenty years old could provide
evidence of whether this is a cause of overheating and fires.
Conclusions drawn by FRS
1. The UK purchased sets are easy to ignite externally using a nightlight as the ignition source.
Internal ignition can also be achieved using the same source to represent a component failure.
2. The presence of flame-retardants, as in the USA purchased sets, is a very effective means of
preventing ignition.
3. Overheating due to poor ventilation in modern television sets is not seen as a likely source
of ignition. However this may not be the case with older sets and especially very old sets
with valves.
4. Television fires should be monitored for a period of three months from December 2000 to
establish the true balance of internal to external sources of ignition.
Page 18
CONCLUSIONS
It is apparent from the key findings of this project that three issues need to be addressed:
The TV must be considered as part of its environment.
• Manufacturers have made great efforts to reduce the risk of any internally generated fire and,
thereby, justified removing the requirement for flame-retardant material in the back plate of
TVs for Europe, in response to adverse publicity and EU directives on environmental issues.
The revised IEC 60065 was written to protect TVs against fires from within and not from external
sources of ignition.
• If, as appears to be the case, the TV is subject to a significant risk of an external fire source
igniting the case, then manufacturers should take this into consideration.
• If current flame-retardant material is harmful to the environment and does fall within the
parameters of the WEEE directive, then alternative materials may need to be considered to
achieve the level of protection required. Phosphate based V-0 flame-retardant material is
being introduced by one manufacturer as a way forward.
• It is, however, important that any change to the requirements is implemented on an international
basis, so that a level playing field is created. As a minimum, any enhancement to the standards
would need to be at the European level.
Consumer behaviour contributes to TV fires and needs to be addressed
• The apparent increasing use of candles and nightlights and in particular the tendency to place
such items on or near TV sets is creating a potential hazard which could cancel out the moves
by the TV manufacturers to increase the electrical safety of their sets.
• The people concerned appear not to be aware of the hazard associated with such actions.
Consideration should be given to increasing awareness in this respect and to the modification
of nightlight cases to reduce the hazard risk.
More detailed investigation of TV fire incidents is required to assess the true cause and
the proportion of external ignition.
• The apparent assumption that a badly damaged TV was the source of the fire and the tendency
to rubber stamp the FDR1 with general descriptions is causing difficulties in two areas:
• In the subsequent analysis of data, to assess whether any action is required to prevent fires
caused by either genuine internal faults or by external sources.
• If the FDR1 states that the TV was to blame, then this has significant implications for the
processing of insurance claims.
• It is suggested that the UK Fire Service be invited to monitor and record all television fires
during an appropriate period, based on 'expert guidance' questionnaires in order to establish
the true cause of TV fire incidents. Where there is doubt as to the cause of the fire, BREMA
and its member companies have offered to assist in the investigation of the fire.
Page 19
Detailed Report
TELEVISION FIRES IN CONTEXT WITH OTHER FIRE INCIDENTS IN DWELLINGS
TVs accounted for an average of 621 incidents, 3 fatalities and 174 non-fatal injuries per year
over the 5 years 1994 to 1998. This represents a small proportion of the 31,678 incidents,
91 fatalities and 5,717 non-fatal injuries from all electrical sources in dwelling fires. TV fires
declined dramatically from 1983 to 1988, but have risen again from 1993, in common with
other key electrical sources. Due to changes in the basis of the fire statistics, there is no
evidence of a real increase in TV fires.
Where do TVs fit into the overall picture for Fire Incidents in Dwellings?
Trends in Electrical Appliance Incidents
25000
4000
3500
20000
2500
15000
2000
10000
1500
1000
5000
500
81
82
83
84
85
Wash/Dry
86
87
Distribution
88
89
90
Heating
91
Blankets
92
93
Lighting
94
95
TV
96
97
98
Cooking
Accidental Fires in Dwellings by Source, 1991 – 1998
Incidents
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998 Av 5 yrs
Total incidents
54,152 54,003 54,500 52,695 52,558 55,576 56,762 56,083 54,735
Total electrical
27,410 27,844 28,167 29,660 29,467 32,365 34,050 32,850 31,678
Key Sources
Electric cooking 16,826 17,212
17,952 19,136
19,379 21,048 22,555 22,011 20,826
Washing/drying 2643
2,944
2,677
3,221
2,925
3,252
3,509
3,263
3,234
Electric distribtn 3,099
3,079
3,064
1,948
2,265
2,451
2,502
2,608
2,355
Electric heating
1,521
1,475
1,269
1,767
1,457
1,708
1,573
1,417
1,584
Electric blankets 1,199
1,003
991
1,047
794
842
675
549
781
Lighting
531
495
534
683
652
743
740
782
720
TV
433
436
441
546
585
645
693
638
621
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics
Page 20
Electric Cooking Incidents
Incidents – excl Cooking
3000
The chart shows the trends from the earliest data available, 1981 (published by the Home Office
in a Fire Statistics Research Paper of October 1991). The table summarises the published fire
data for the years 1991 – 98 and shows an average of the last 5 years data.
The table shows that there was an average of 55,000 fire incidents in dwellings over the 5 years
1994 – 98. Electrical sources accounted for 58% of those incidents.
TVs accounted for an average of 621 incidents. The data show an increase in incidents from
1991 to 1997, with a significant increase reported from 1993 to 1994. TVs account for 2% of overall
fire incidents in dwellings of electrical source.
Fires resulting from electrical sources are dominated by electric cooking which represent an average
of 66% of the electrical total. This dominance has required a secondary scale to be used in the
chart for electric cooking incidents (right hand scale). The majority of these are, however, due
to behavioural factors – leaving the power on (50%), chip pan unattended (38%), combustible
materials (5%). Only 3% are attributed to faults within the appliance (710 incidents in 1997).
Electric washing/drying appliances, electrical distribution (plugs, sockets, leads, wiring and cable)
and electric heating are also main contributors to the total.
Electric blankets, lighting and TVs are significantly lower contributors to the total than the four
main sources.
Is the recent increase seen in fires unique to TVs?
The chart shows that fires declined dramatically from 1983 to 1988, were then relatively stable
from 1988 to 1993, but subsequently shown an increase to 1997.
The recent upward trend is also seen in fires involving cooking, washing/drying, heating and
distribution. An increase is also seen in the data for overall and ‘all electrical’ fires. This suggests
that other factors, not specific to TVs, are involved in the increase seen in TV fires.
The statistics for TV fires show a decline in incidents for 1998. Again, this is a trend shared by a
number of other appliance types: cooking, washing/drying, heating and blankets. This also suggests
that other factors are involved in the trends for TV fires.
What factors not specific to TVs might have affected the trends in TV fires?
In 1994 the Home Office changed the system for the collection and analysis of fire data. From 1994,
fire data were based on the new fire report form, FDR1(94) – introduced in January 1994. The FDR1
is completed by the officer in charge at a reportable incident. The new system involved a sampling
approach to the collection and publication of the data. Incidents were no longer analysed in total.
Only 20% of incidents not involving injury were sampled from 1994 onwards. All incidents involving
fatal and non-fatal casualties continued to be analysed. The sample data were then weighted back
in a way that gave representative data for each of the 50 brigades and national estimates published.
In addition, coverage was extended to include two categories of fire related incident in the fire
statistics from 1994, but which had not been recorded from the early ‘80s until 1993. These were
‘late fire calls’ (fires known to be extinguished when the call was made and so not attended as
an emergency) and ‘heat or smoke damage only’ (reportable fires where there is no fire damage
– any damage being due to heat and/or smoke). The Home Office suggest that they added about
3% to the numbers of fires and casualties overall.
Page 21
The use of weighted data and the introduction of the two categories could have affected the
continuity of the trends in data within individual product areas.
For example, the trend for electrical distribution shows a dramatic change from 1993 to 1994,
coinciding with the changeover of statistics. Step changes were also noted within heating
appliances in an earlier survey conducted by BSG for the DTI.
TVs show a jump of 24% in incidents ‘93 to ’94, significantly higher than in subsequent years
(7% to 10%) and appears, therefore, to have been affected by the change.
There was no comparable step change in the number of fatal or non-fatal casualties resulting from
TV fires over the same period. It is significant that incidents involving casualties, that continued
to be analysed 100% and were not sampled, show no comparable increase.
In addition, the rising trend seen since 1994 could be due to some overall factor, as yet unidentified,
affecting all the major electrical appliance product groups.
Where do TVs fit into the overall picture for fatalities?
Trends in Electrical Appliance Fatalities
90
80
70
Fatalities
60
50
40
30
20
10
81
82
83
84
Wash/Dry
Page 22
85
86
Distribution
87
88
Heating
89
90
Blankets
91
92
Lighting
93
TV
94
95
Cooking
96
97
98
Fatalities from Fires in Dwellings by Source, 1991 – 1998
Incidents
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998 Av 5 yrs
Total fatalities
551
526
484
414
446
561
501
442
473
Total electrical
10
96
106
74
93
104
105
81
91
Electric cooking
26
27
28
17
23
33
41
30
29
Electric heating
28
34
35
31
26
21
23
26
25
Electric blankets
22
17
20
15
17
19
16
10
15
Electric distribution 14
8
9
9
15
18
7
7
11
TV
8
3
4
0
5
5
5
1
3
Lighting
1
2
5
2
4
3
6
2
3
Washing/Drying
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
Key Sources
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics
Fatalities from home fires averaged 473 over the 5 years 1994 – 98. Electrical fires accounted for 19% of
the total, significantly less than for incidents above.
TVs were a fifth of the key sources with an average of 3 fatalities. 1995, 96 & 97 showed higher figures,
each with 5 fatalities. This appears to be part of a general upturn in fatalities affecting the overall total.
The average over the 18 years from 1981 was 5 fatalities. 1983 was the highest year with 15. TVs account
for 4% of all fatalities from dwelling fires of electrical source.
TVs are well below the level of fatalities caused by electric cooking, heating, blankets and distribution
equipment. Electric heating appliances show a dramatic reduction in the numbers of fatalities since the
early 80s.
Page 23
Where do TVs fit into the overall picture for non-fatal injuries?
Trends in Electrical Appliance Non-fatal Injuries
450
5000
400
4500
4000
350
3000
250
2500
200
2000
150
1500
100
1000
50
500
81
82
83
84
85
Wash/Dry
86
87
88
Distribution
89
Heating
90
91
92
Blankets
93
Lighting
94
95
TV
96
97
98
Cooking
Non-fatal Casualties from Fires in Dwellings by Source, 1991 – 1998
Incidents
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998 Av 5 yrs
Total non-fatal
9,913
9,687
9,882
10,685 10,855
11,874
12,869 12,784 11,813
Total electrical
4,097
4,178
4,261
4,985
5,066
5,755
6,437
6,342
5,717
Electric cooking
2,707
2,751
2,923
3,444
6,557
4,083
4,742
4,683
4,102
Electric heating
314
331
296
354
350
382
335
306
345
Electric distribution 346
372
295
384
290
287
319
330
302
Electric blankets
281
243
265
293
249
262
220
237
252
TV
101
100
146
150
147
190
185
198
174
Washing/Drying
102
104
87
158
143
126
212
202
168
Lighting
63
80
94
82
128
106
109
128
111
Key Sources
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics
Page 24
Non-fatal Cooking
Non fatal – excl Cooking
3500
300
Non-fatal injuries from home fires averaged 11.8k over the 5 years 1994 – 98. Electrical
accounted for 48% of the total.
Electrical sources accounted for 48% of the total non-fatal injuries in homes.
TVs were again fifth of the key sources, with an average of 174 non-fatal injuries. The trend in
TVs is similar to other sources and to the overall total. TVs account for 3% of non-fatal injuries
from dwelling fires of electrical source.
Electric cooking is by far the major electrical appliance category causing non-fatal injury. Again,
the differential in the numbers of incidents was so great as to necessitate the use of a different
scale for electrical cooking appliances.
There has been an overall upward trend in non-fatal injuries since 1981 (1991 was a high year
– injuries jumping from 9,171 in 1990 to 9,913 in 1991). This upward trend is in part due to the
numbers of people, reported as a ‘non-fatal injury’, who have suffered shock or who have been
advised to visit hospital for a precautionary check-up, but suffered no physical injury. The report
‘Safe as Houses’ from the Community Fire Safety Task Force reported an increase of 80% in the
number of casualties reported as requiring precautionary checks over the 10 years to 1996. This
obviously distorts the overall trends. The Home Office Statistical Bulletin for 1998 also comments
on this problem:
"…the most frequent injury recorded …was suffering from the effects of gas or smoke, accounting
for almost 40% of all non-fatal casualties. The number has increased from 3,500 in 1988 to 6,600
in 1998. However this may be due to the increased tendency to refer less serious injuries to a
hospital or doctor, as these increases have not been seen for other types of injury. The number
of burns, including those suffering from both burns and overcome by gas or smoke, had fallen
from around 3,200 in 1988 to 2,800 in 1998."
In addition to the above, there is a category titled "Precautionary checks" included within the
numbers recorded as non-fatal casualties. This accounted for 31% of the total in 1998. The numbers
of precautionary checks increased from around 3,000 in 1988 to 5,600 in 1998
What is the risk of death or injury?
Risk of Fatality and Non-fatal Injury by Source
Source
Fatality per 1,000 fires
Average 1994-1998
Non-fatal injury per 1,000 fires
Average 1994-1998
Total dwelling fires
8.6
215.8
Total electrical sources
2.9
180.5
Electric blankets
19.2
322.7
Electric heating
7.6
217.8
TVs
4.8
280.2
Electric distribution
4.7
127.8
Lighting
4.2
154.2
Electric cooking
1.4
197.0
Washing/drying
–
51.9
Key sources
Source: BSG from Home Office Fire Statistics
Page 25
Taking the data for incidents (page 20), fatalities (page 22/25) and non-fatal injuries (page 24) for
each of the main sources of fire, the risk of a fatality or injury can be calculated and compared
for each fire source:
A fatality occurs in 4.8 out of every 1,000 TV fire incidents attended by brigades. This compares
to 8.6/k fatalities per thousand incidents for all sources of dwelling fires and 2.9/k for all electrical
sources. The ratio of fatalities in TV incidents is significantly lower than for electric blankets and
electric space heating.
A non-fatal injury occurs in 280 out of every 1,000 TV fire incidents. This ratio is higher than the
total for all dwelling fires and for all electrical sources. The injury ratio for TV incidents is high
and close to that of electric blankets. It is higher than for all other key sources.
Do the Home Office Fire Statistics cover all fires?
No. The Home Office fire statistics provide a national estimate for all reportable fires attended
by fire brigades. Not all fires are reported to brigades. The British Crime Survey estimated that
fire brigades attend around 13% of all fire incidents.
It must be assumed that the fire brigade is not called to many minor TV fire incidents.
What conclusion can be drawn from these statistics?
The headline TV fire statistics appear to indicate a significant increase over the period 1993 to 1997.
However, since many other products also show an increase and there have been changes in the
way the Home Office data is analysed and weighted, the TV data cannot be viewed in isolation.
There is no comparable increase in fatalities relating to TV fires. The trend in non-fatal injuries
related to TV fires reflects the general increase resulting from ‘precautionary checks’.
The logical conclusion must therefore be that there is no evidence of a real increase in the incidence
of TV fire incidents, fatalities and injuries and that the Home Office fire data is misleading if taken
in isolation.
THE TELEVISION MARKET IN THE UK
Sales of TVs have increased dramatically from 1990 to 1999, for both portables and main
sets. There have been a number of technical innovations over recent years, each taking an
increasing share of the sales of main TVs. There are some significant changes predicted
for the future. Most notable being the introduction of digital TV and the dramatic increase
in the number of set-top boxes this will involve. The pricing of TVs has become very
competitive, with colour TVs now offered for around £80.
Page 26
Sales of TVs by Type
6000
Sales – thousands
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
81
82
83
Analogue widescreen
84
85
86
87
Main non-wide Nicam
88
89
Main teletext
90
91
92
93
Main non-text colour
94
95
96
Portable colour
97
98
99
Portable mono
Source: BREMA
The manufacturers’ association BREMA (British Radio and Electronic Equipment Manufacturers’
Association) provided sales and ownership data for televisions. The sales data, which includes
rental sales, shows a changing pattern of the type and technology of TVs sold in the UK.
What are the trends in TV and VCR sales?
In the chart, the two upper bands represent portable TVs, with colour portables taking over from
mono by 1988, overall sales of TVs declined dramatically from 1988 in the recession. Portables
(under 18") now account for 49% of all TV sales.
The four lower bands represent the sales of ‘main’ TVs (those over 18" and above). These four
bands show the main technological changes occurring at regular intervals as, first, Teletext, then
Nicam and most recently analogue widescreen TVs have been introduced and have increased
their share of the whole.
Widescreen TVs were introduced in 1994. Sales were slow to start but are accelerating – growing
from 73k in 1997 to 290k in 1998 and an estimated 750k in 1999. The population of widescreen
TVs is expected to have reached I million by the end of 1999.
BREMA also report a consistent growth trend in sales of larger screen TVs. Sets over 27" screen
size now represent around 50% of main TV sales (i.e. excluding portables). Large size TVs
represented only around 10% of main TV sales in 1994.
Other technical innovations introduced, but not split out in the chart above, are FST (Flatter
squarer tube) TVs in 1985, these grew to account for 100% of main TVs by 1998, and Dolby
surround sound TVs, which were introduced around 1993, have grown to 550k sales in 1999.
Sales of TVs grew consistently from 1990, reaching a total of 5.57 million in 1999.
VCRs (Video Cassette Recorders) were introduced in 1978 and sales, including rental sales,
reached 3.46 million in 1998.
Page 27
Set-top boxes for satellite, cable and now terrestrial TV services have increased over recent years.
BREMA estimate that 30% of UK households now subscribe to Pay-TV – over 7 million households.
TV pricing has become increasingly competitive at the lower end of the market, with retailers,
such as Aldi and Safeway, offering main colour sets at around £80.
What does this represent in terms of ownership of TVs?
Sales of TVs by Type
2.5
45
40
2
35
1.5
25
20
1
15
10
0.5
5
81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
Set population
Sets per household
Source: BREMA/DETR
The number of TV sets calculated by BREMA show a peak in 1989, followed by a trough as sales
declined in recession and then growth to reach a number of 40.3 million sets in 1999. BREMA’s
projections of TV set numbers predict a continued growth as sales of new technology sets add to
an existing population of sets, which are more reliable and therefore are retained rather than
replaced.
This is a trend that has been ongoing as households increasingly have more than one TV set in
the household. Older sets are retained rather than replaced as new main sets are purchased to
take advantage of the new features offered or to increase screen size. More portable sets are
also being purchased and used for the bedroom, children’s room or kitchen. A recent report by
IPC, reported on BBC Ceefax, showed that 1 in 4 children under 4 years old have a TV in their
bedroom and 1 in 2 children under 16 years old have a TV in their room. Higher income homes
are, however, less likely to have a TV in a child's room.
The trend for sets per household has risen from 1.4 to 1.7 per household over the period
shown above.
Page 28
Sets per household
Sales – thousands
30
What are the future trends in TV technology and related products?
The move to digital TV will be the major trend over the next few years:
• The Government has announced its intention to switch off analogue television signals, which
still serve 93 per cent of Britain's 23 million homes, between 2006 and 2010. The Government
says that a final date will not be fixed for analogue to be switched off until everybody who
can receive analogue television – 99.4 per cent of the population – can get digital and 95 per
cent of consumers actually have digital equipment. The timetable for switching off analogue
will be clarified further when 70 per cent of the population have digital. At present, only about
7% of TV homes – about 1.5 million – have digital.
The Government is keen for an early switch off because digital makes more efficient use of
the airwaves. Analogue frequencies could then be sold to mobile phone companies.
Linked to the move to digital will be a massive increase in the use of set-top boxes:
• The move to digital requires either the use of set-top boxes – required to unscramble digital
signals – or the purchase of digital TV sets/receivers – IDTVs (Integrated Digital Terrestrial
Television). Set-top boxes are required to allow analogue TVs to use digital TV signals. A settop-box will be required for every analogue TV. This could mean a massive increase in the
number of set-top boxes in use. Set-top boxes are on permanently and have no stand-by
mode at present.
BREMA estimate that around 30% of UK households currently subscribe to Pay-TV. It is expected
that in the digital age, this might increase to 50%. This leaves around half of the market still
reliant on free-to-air services.
It is likely, in the above scenario, that households will continue to replace their analogue
main TV sets with digital equivalents on the normal replacement cycle of eight to ten years.
In the first few years of digital TV, we are likely to see a preponderance of Set-top boxes sold.
IDTV receivers, both free-to-air and those embedded with subscription services, will quickly link
into the TV set replacement market. The process will be helped by the attractions of widescreen.
By 2003, 50% of UK homes will have some form of digital receiver (set-top-box or IDTV) and
will have reached 100% by 2007. BREMA estimate that by 2010, 25 million IDTV receivers will
have been sold in the UK.
The use of plasma or LCD ultra-slim screens is expected to increase:
• Plasma TV screens are already seen in the UK, though mainly for commercial use because of
their very high cost at present. Plasma displays are completely flat and very slim – only 9cm
deep – with a viewing angle of 160°, meaning that they can be viewed comfortably from almost
anywhere in the room. They can be hung on a wall like a picture. Current plasma screens on
the market are 42" widescreen TVs, weighing only 36kg and have low power consumption.
The plasma display can be connected to a personal computer, the latest digital set-top boxes,
DVD players, VCRs and camcorders.
Sharp, who claim to be world leaders in LCD screens, predict that, by 2005, they will no longer
use cathode ray tubes in their TVs.
Page 29
TELEVISION FIRES IN RELATION TO TV SET NUMBERS
The incidence of TV fires has fallen dramatically from the 1980s. Top-line data show an
apparent 60% increase in incidents from ’93 to ’97. However this appears likely to have
been distorted by changes in the gathering and analysis of fire statistics and should not
be taken at face value.
Trend in TV Fire Incidents and Ratio to TV Set Numbers
50
1400
45
1200
40
35
30
800
25
600
20
400
15
10
200
5
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
TV fires
Page 30
90
91
92
Fires per m sets
93
94
95
96
97
98
Fires per m sets
TV Fires
1000
Trends in Accidental TV Fires in Homes, 1985 – 1998
Year
TV Fires
TV Set Population
(million)
TV Fires per m sets
1981
1295
29.2
44.3
1982
1273
30.3
42.0
1983
1252
32.1
39.0
1984
899
33.5
26.8
1985
727
35.1
20.7
1986
659
36.2
18.2
1987
523
37.3
14
1988
450
38.5
11.7
1989
426
38.9
10.9
1990
416
38.8
10.7
1991
433
38.3
11.3
1992
436
37.9
11.5
1993
441
37.3
11.8
1994
546
36.5
15.0
1995
585
36.6
16.0
1996
645
37.0
17.4
1997
693
37.6
18.4
1998
638
38.6
16.5
Source: Home Office fire statistics and BREMA set population data
Top-line data for TV fires appears to show a 60% increase from 1993 to 1997. However, this trend,
as discussed above, could have been exaggerated by changes to the data collection and analysis
methods used by the Home Office and the inclusion of categories previously excluded. These
included, from 1994, incidents where there was damage by heat and smoke but no fire damage –
these incidents had been excluded in previous years. The Home Office estimate that this increased
the number of incidents overall by 3%. Comparative data for TVs has not been published, but it
is likely that any TV fires confined to the appliance would have caused such damage and, therefore,
have been excluded from the fire statistics prior to 1994 and included from 1994 onwards.
As was stressed above, the trends seen for TV incidents – rising to 1997 and then showing a fall
in 1998 – are common to several other electrical and electrical appliance sources.
The number of TV sets, as estimated by BREMA, has also increased over the period covered by
the chart above. Viewing the incidence of TV fires in relation to the overall TV numbers,
therefore, lessens the apparent growth of TV incidents over the period 1993 to 1997.
Page 31
These three factors:
• the change in fire data,
• the similarity of the TV data to several other categories of electrical sources,
• and the increased population of TVs,
suggest that the top-line increase in TV incidents, from 1993 to 1997, is likely to have been
exaggerated and should not, therefore, be taken at face value.
Clearly, there has been a significant improvement from the fire data in the 1980s.
Trends in TV Fatalities and Ratio to TV Set Numbers
0.6
16
14
0.5
12
TV Fatalities
0.3
8
6
0.2
4
0.1
2
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
TV fatalities
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
Fatalities per m sets
Source: Home Office/BREMA
The incidence of fatalities has not been affected by any changes in data collection.
TV fires have caused an average of 3 fatalities per year over the past 5 years and have a risk
of fatality of 4.8 per 1,000 fires.
This represents an average of 0.09 deaths per million TVs each year over the past 5 years.
Page 32
Fatalities per m sets
0.4
10
Trend in TV Non-fatal Injuries and Ratio to TV Set Numbers
8
200
180
7
160
6
5
120
100
4
80
3
Non-fatal per m sets
TV Non-fatal injuries
140
60
2
40
1
20
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
TV non-fatal
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
Non-Fatal per m sets
Source: Home Office/BREMA
Non-fatal injuries resulting from TV fires have apparently increased over the period 1992 to 1998.
However, TV non-fatal injuries are likely to have mirrored the trend highlighted by the Home Office,
as discussed above, to refer anyone involved in a fire for a check-up whether injured or not, in
order to pre-empt any come-back should problems subsequently arise.
It was not possible, therefore, to quantify the extent of any increase in non-fatal injuries
resulting from TV fires. If the trends seen in the overall results, as published in the Fire Statistics
Bulletin 1998, hold for TV fires, then there may even have been a reduction in serious injuries
resulting from TV fires.
Taken at face value, the non-fatal injuries have averaged 174 per annum over the past 5 years
and have a risk of injury of 280 per 1,000 incidents.
The risk of non-fatal injury in relation to the numbers of TVs has averaged 4.7 per million sets
over the past 5 years.
Page 33
Detailed Analysis of Television Fires
Detailed analysis of the causes and circumstances surrounding accidental TV fires in dwellings
was undertaken using a Home Office database covering all the sampled incidents 1994 to 1998
(the latest data available). These include 100% of incidents involving injury or death and 20%
of all incidents where there was no injury or fatality. 1995 data has been adjusted under Home
Office guidance to allow for the different sampling method used in the first half of 1995 and to
give comparable data to other years. Using data from 1994 avoided the step-change caused by
the introduction of the new Home Office system at the end of 1993.
‘DEFECT’ CAUSING TV FIRES
There were 1,131 TV fire incidents recorded on the Home Office database for 1994 to 1998.
The data show a steady pattern of incidents 1995 to 1998 after an increase from 1994 –
this does not reflect the increasing trend in TV fires indicated by the published data. The
cause of TV fires is overwhelmingly reported as ‘Fault within the appliance’ (87%). Other
common faults are reported as ‘Overheating (4%) & ‘Power left on’ (3%).
Defect attributed to TV fire incidents, 1994 – 1998
Code Description
1995*
1996
1997
1998
Total
%
0
Unknown
1
4
5
3
5
18
2%
2
Power
2
4
-
2
1
9
1%
3
Plugs/switches
2
2
-
1
1
6
1%
4
Appliance lead
-
1
-
-
-
1
-
11 Fault within appliance
142
204
203
204
227
980
87%
12 Lack of maint/worn out
-
1
-
-
2
3
-
13 Wrong adjust/instaln
1
1
-
-
-
2
-
14 Other equipment
-
-
-
1
2
3
-
31 Power left on
6
11
7
6
2
32
3%
32 Used carelessly
-
-
1
1
-
2
-
34 Spillage
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
37 Heat source fell onto
2
-
-
-
-
2
-
39 Other misuse
-
-
2
1
-
3
-
44 Source knocked over
1
1
-
1
-
3
-
45 Article too close
-
2
3
2
-
7
1%
51 Vehicle elect fault
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
71 Heat source too close
1
1
1
1
-
4
-
72 Accum of flam matl
1
1
1
2
2
7
1%
76 Sparks/other
-
1
-
-
-
1
-
81 Natural/lightning
1
-
-
-
-
1
-
85 Overheating
4
11
9
9
8
41
4%
99 Other known defect
-
1
-
1
2
4
-
164
246
232
235
254
1131
100%
Total
Page 34
1994
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* 1995 data corrected for Q1 & Q2 sampling
The totals for TV fire incidents do not show an increase over recent years
The totals, for all accidental TV incidents attended in dwellings recorded in the Home Office
system, show a significant increase from 1994 to 1995, but are then relatively steady for four years.
This trend is quite different to that shown in the published data, which shows an upward trend
in 1995, 1996 and 1997, before a decline in 1998. This would appear to be the effect of weighting
the data from the sample up to the national estimate – the weighting is done by brigade area and
is a complex process. Again, this casts doubt as to whether or not there has been a true increase
in TV fires over recent years, as appears to be indicated by the published data.
The recorded causes of TV fires are dominated by ‘Faults within the appliance’
Of the 1,131 incidents of accidental TV fires in dwellings, 980 (87%) are blamed on ‘Internal
faults’. This single attributed cause dominates the recorded causes. The only other specified
causes which register more than 1% are ‘Overheating’ (4%) and ‘Power left on’ (3%). This latter
is assumed to refer to TVs being left in standby mode as well as those left running.
Who or what the TV fire was ‘Caused by’
‘Caused by’ Coding of TV Fire Incidents, 1994 – 1998
Spread
Incidents
%
Child
4
*%
Youth
6
1%
Adult
97
9%
Animal
4
*%
Not person or animal
965
85%
Unspecified
55
5%
1,131
100%
Total
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* 1995 data corrected for Q1 & Q2 sampling
As might be expected when the cause of the incidents is largely attributed to faults within the
appliance, the majority of incidents are coded to ‘Not person or animal’ (85%). 97 incidents are
coded to an ‘Adult’ causing the incident. These should indicate more behavioural factors as
being the cause:
Page 35
‘Defect’ where ‘Adult’ was coded as ‘Caused by’ Incidents, 1994 – 1998
Spread
Incidents
%
Faults within appliance
68
70%
Power left on
12
12%
Combustibles on/too close
3
3%
Appliance too close to combustibles
2
2%
Used carelessly
2
2%
Wrongly installed
1
1%
Spillage
1
1%
Knocked over
1
1%
Accumulation of flammable material
1
1%
Other not behaviour/unspecified
6
7%
Total
97
100%
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* 1995 data corrected for Q1 & Q2 sampling
This is not the case, however, as 70% of those incidents coded as being caused by an ‘Adult’ again
blame an ‘Internal fault or defect in the appliance’ as being the cause. A further 12% are coded as
being due to the TV being left on or in standby mode – both of which the modern TV is designed
to do. Only 11 incidents are coded to a behavioural factor.
BSG is therefore suspicious as to the accuracy of the ‘defect/fault’ coding applied to TV fire incidents.
Page 36
DEFECT CAUSING INJURIES AND FATALITIES IN TV FIRES
Home Office statistics show a significant risk of fatal or non-fatal injury resulting from TV
fires, though the level of injury may be overstated by the trend to refer more people for
precautionary checks. Most fatalities and injuries are attributed to faults within the appliance.
Defect Causing Injury in TV Fire incidents, 1994 – 1998
Code Description
0
Unknown
2
Power
3
Plugs/switches
1994
11 Fault within appliance
1995*
1996
1997
1998
Total
%
2
5
4
9
20
2%
5
5
1%
2
1
5
1%
160
176
751
86%
1
1
*%
7
36
4%
1
*%
2
*%
2
*%
1
3
*%
1
3
*%
2
4
*%
2
*%
3
*%
1
*%
2
129
121
165
14 Other equipment
31 Power left on
6
12
32 Used carelessly
11
1
34 Spillage
37 Heat source fell onto
2
2
39 Other misuse
44 Source knocked over
2
1
45 Article too close
1
1
1
51 Vehicle elect fault
71 Heat source too close
2
3
72 Accum of flam matl
85 Overheating
1
9
7
6
99 Other known defect
Total
150
146
192
2
4
28
3%
3
1
4
*%
183
200
871
100%
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* No correction needed for 1995 data
The 1,131 incidents caused 871 non-fatal injuries over the five years 1994 – 1998. The two figures
cannot be compared, as incidents involving injury are sampled 100%, while incidents not involving
injury are sampled at 20%.
It was not possible, however, to determine how many of these injuries were serious and how
many represented precautionary checks and the data could be significantly overstating the risk
of serious injury.
Injuries were largely attributed to faults within the appliance (86%).
Page 37
Defect Causing Fatality in TV Fire incidents, 1994 – 1998
Code Description
4
Appliance lead
11 Fault within appliance
1994
1995*
1996
1
4
1998
1
5
32 Used carelessly
Total
1997
3
1
1
5
5
5
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
1
Total
%
2
13%
13
81%
1
6%
16
100%
* No correction needed for 1995 data
According to Home Office statistics, there were 16 fatalities from TV fires over the five years 1994
– 1998. Fatalities are sampled at 100%.
Fatalities were largely attributed to faults within the appliance.
MATERIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FIRE AND SPREAD OF FIRE
Entries against the material responsible for the development and spread of TV fires are
dominated by the description 'electrical insulation' and give little or no clue as to the cause
of the majority of TV fires. The coding does not allow the identification of any incidents in
which the TV has been involved unless the TV is determined as the cause of the fire. Spread
data shows that almost 40% of TV fires are confined to the appliance, but even incidents
confined to the TV do cause injury and death. The risk of fatality or injury increases as the
area of damage increases.
With the cause of TV fires so clearly defined as ‘Internal Fault’, it would be expected that details
of the ‘Material first ignited’ and ‘Material mainly responsible’, coded into the database, would
give a more detailed indication as to the cause of TV fires.
‘Material first ignited’
Within the 1,131 incidents coded, only 6 codes for the ‘material first ignited’ and its composition
are in double figures:
Page 38
Key Items coded as Material First Ignited, 1994 – 1998
Code
Description
Incidents
%
61/49
Electrical insulation/plastic
771
68%
99/49
Other/plastic
156
14%
99/91
Other/Mixed
50
4%
0/0
Not known
47
4%
61/91
Electrical insulation/Mixed
22
2%
99/0
Other/unknown
21
2%
Others
64
6%
Total
1,131
100%
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* 1995 data corrected for Q1 & Q2 sampling
The coding suggests that in almost 70% of the incidents, it is electrical insulation that is the material
first ignited. Within the general coding system, there is no specific code for the TV case – this can
only be coded as ‘other/plastic’. It is assumed therefore that the second largest total of 14% refers
to the TV case as being the material first ignited.
‘Material mainly responsible for the development of the fire’
Key Items coded as Material First Ignited, 1994 – 1998
Code
Description
Incidents
%
61/49
Electrical insulation/plastic
446
40%
99/49
Other/plastic
354
31%
99/91
Other/mixed
83
7%
0/0
Not known
42
4%
99/0
Other/unknown
16
2%
22/69
Other furniture/Wood
15
1%
21/91
Upholstered furniture/
14
1%
61/91
Electrical insulation/mixed
13
1%
Others
148
13%
Total
1,131
100%
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* 1995 data corrected for Q1 & Q2 sampling
Within the 1,131 incidents coded, only 8 codes for the ‘material mainly responsible’ and its
composition are in double figures. Again the largest item coded is electric insulation/plastic,
which accounted for 40% of incidents. Again, it is assumed that the second largest total of 31%
refers to the TV case as being the material mainly responsible (coded as Other/plastic).
Page 39
When the two sets of coding are compared, of the 446 incidents where the ‘material mainly
responsible’ was coded as ‘electrical insulation/plastic’, 430 were also coded for ‘material
first ignited’ as ‘electrical insulation/plastic’. Only 175 of these incidents were ‘Confined to
the Appliance’, in 181 of the incidents, the fire spread beyond the appliance. It does not seem
reasonable that the fire should spread beyond the appliance in so many incidents and yet that
the material mainly responsible is electrical insulation.
Of the 354 incidents where the TV case (other/plastic) appeared to be the ‘material mainly
responsible’ for the development of the fire, 176 were coded as ‘insulation/plastic’ and 119 as
‘other/plastic’ as the ‘material first ignited’.
Therefore, 919 of the 1,131 incidents have been coded to a combination these two codes and
565 incidents (50%) have duplicate entries of the same code.
It is, therefore, unclear from these data what caused the TV fires, even though a high percentage
has been coded to ‘internal fault’. Further investigation was, therefore, undertaken (see below)
to clarify the cause and the reason for the coding applied.
TVs involved in fires from other sources
Unfortunately, the Home Office fire statistics give no indication as to the number of TVs involved
in fires from other sources, such as candles.
A TV could have been determined as the ‘Material mainly responsible for the development of
the fire’ as the result of, for example, the careless placement of a candle on or near the TV that
ignited the TV. In such a case the TV, as discussed above, could only be coded as ‘Other/plastic’
or ‘Other/mixed materials’. It is not possible, therefore, to identify any fire as involving a TV,
unless the TV is determined as being the ‘Source of the fire’.
‘Spread’ of the TV fire incidents
Spread of Fire in TV incidents, 1994 – 1998
Spread
Incidents
%
Confined to appliance
442
39%
Beyond appliance but confined to room
551
49%
Elsewhere in building
105
9%
Beyond the building
8
1%
Unspecified
25
2%
1,131
100%
Total
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
Page 40
* 1995 data corrected for Q1 & Q2 sampling
59% of the fires attributed to TVs spread beyond the appliance, while 39% of the 1,131 incidents
were confined to the appliance. Therefore, in these TV incidents, there was a 60% risk of the fire
spreading beyond the appliance. There was no indication of any increase in the spread of the
fire over the period analysed.
Fatality and non-fatal injuries can result even when the TV fire is confined to the appliance.
Spread of Fire in Fatalities & Non-fatal Injuries, 1994 – 1998
Spread
Fatalities
%
Non-fatal inj.
%
Confined to appliance
2
12.5%
163
19%
Beyond appl. but confined to room
7
44%
562
64%
Elsewhere in building
5
31%
129
15%
Beyond the building
2
12.5%
15
2%
Unspecified
-
-
2
*%
16
100%
871
100%
Total
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* No correction needed for 1995 data
This is assumed to be the result of the smoke emitted when the TV materials burn. As tests
showed, a TV fire develops large amounts of dense smoke very quickly. As might be expected,
the numbers of fatalities and deaths are greater when the fire spreads beyond the appliance.
‘Area damaged by direct burning’ of the TV fire incidents
Area Burnt in TV incidents, 1994 – 1998
Spread
2
Under 1m
Incidents
%
Fatalities
%
Non-fatal
%
490
43%
3
19%
190
22%
2
222
20%
2
12%
210
24%
3 – 4m2
148
13%
1
6%
140
16%
1 – 2m
5 – 9m2
102
9%
2
12%
134
15%
2
76
7%
1
6%
97
11%
2
54
5%
6
38%
65
8%
50 – 99m2
11
1%
-
-
20
2%
4
*%
1
6%
11
1%
-
-
-
-
-
-
24
2%
-
-
4
1%
1,131
100%
16
99%
871
100%
10 – 19m
20 – 49m
100 – 199m2
Over 200m
2
Unspecified
Total
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* 1995 data corrected for Q1 & Q2 sampling
Page 41
The area burnt indicates that 55% of the incidents had an area of direct burning greater than
1m2 and a third of incidents with an area greater than 3m2 i.e. significantly beyond the TV itself.
There was no indication of any increase in the area burnt by the fire over the period analysed.
The 16 fatalities occurred across the spectrum of area burned. 3 fatalities occurred at under
1m2, 6 at 20–49m2 and the balance spread to other categories.
Most of the 871 non-fatal injuries occurred at the lower end of the area scale but in relative
terms the greatest risk of injury occurs at burn areas of over 1m2.
‘Total area damaged’ by the TV fire incidents
Total Area Damaged in TV incidents, 1994 – 1998
Spread
Under 1m2
Incidents
%
Fatalities
%
Non-fatal
%
224
20%
1
6%
18
2%
1 – 2m
2
30
3%
1
6%
7
1%
3 – 4m
2
44
4%
-
-
26
3%
2
66
6%
1
6%
32
4%
10 – 19m2
140
12%
1
6%
102
12%
2
255
22%
2
13%
241
28%
233
21%
5
31%
282
32%
100 – 199m
105
9%
3
19%
117
13%
Over 200m2
30
3%
2
13%
46
5%
Unspecified
4
*%
-
-
-
-
1,131
100%
16
100%
871
100%
5 – 9m
20 – 49m
50 – 99m
2
2
Total
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* 1995 data corrected for Q1 & Q2 sampling
The total area damaged by fire, heat and smoke indicates that 67% of the incidents had an area
damaged greater than 10m2 and a third of incidents with an area greater than 50m2 i.e. well
beyond the room of origin. There was no indication of any increase in the area damaged by the
fire over the period analysed.
Fatalities are more likely when the total area damaged is greater than 50m2. In relative terms,
non-fatal injuries are more likely when the total area damaged is greater than 20m2 and are very
much less likely if the area is less than 1m2.
Page 42
Incident Samples Investigated
with Individual Brigades
The Home Office database, coded from the FDR1 reports produced at the scene by the officer
in charge, did not give a clear indication as to the cause of TV fires. In particular, the number
of incidents coded to ‘Internal fault’ appears high and in some cases is contradictory to other
entries where the incident is coded as being ‘caused by’ an ‘Adult’. There also appears to be
a very high incidence of ‘Insulation/plastic’ being attributed as the ‘Material first ignited’ and
‘Material mainly responsible’.
In order to clarify the cause of TV fires, BSG undertook three further samples:
• A general sample selected from the Home Office database of what appeared to be the more
serious TV incidents and related products.
The incidents selected included: those where the ‘Ignition to discovery time’ and the ‘Discovery
to call time’ were both under 5 minutes (allowing the brigade to respond quickly); the fire
was not confined to the appliance (unless there had been a fatality); and the area of burning
and/or total area of damage were above a minimum level (over 1m2 burn and over 5m2 total
damage). This excluded West Yorkshire and LFCDA brigades.
The wording used on the FDR1s were analysed for all responses and, where possible, verbal
comments were obtained from the officer concerned if he could be contacted by the brigade
headquarters staff and recalled the incident. Copies were obtained of any investigation reports
relating to TV fire incidents. Individual brigades also responded with details of more recent
incidents (i.e. 1999 incidents).
• A 100% sample of all TV fires in the West Yorkshire brigade, identified from their internal
database and for each of which the FDR1 was accessed.
• LFCDA provided a copy of all TV related incidents on their extensive fire investigation database.
This included all fires coded to TVs as source and to those in which a word-search revealed
the use of wording related to TVs (or related products).
LFCDA fire investigations which had been referred to Stanger Science & Environment for
scientific investigation were also accessed for further details as to the specific cause
determined for each incident.
The results of the three samples follow:
RESULTS FROM GENERAL SAMPLE OF MORE SERIOUS TV FIRE INCIDENTS
A sample of 155 incidents was analysed for the text used on the FDR1s to describe the
fault and the materials involved. The results show that little or no investigation of TV fires
is undertaken and that, in the main, very general descriptions are used. The subsequent
coding and analysis of these general comments is hiding, what appears to be, a general
assumption that a badly damaged TV must have been 'the cause' of the fire. The result is
that significant numbers of fires may be ascribed to TVs where the TV was not the source.
Fatal incidents do not appear to be investigated or recorded any more thoroughly than
non-fatal incidents and it appears that the number of fatalities due to TV faults is overstated
in the Home Office data.
Page 43
54 Brigades were approached for the general sample. 35 responded and provided details on
155 incidents.
The purpose of the sample was to identify the text description used on the original FDR1 forms
for the ‘Fault’, ‘Material first ignited (Mfi)’, ‘Material mainly responsible (Mmr)’ and the ‘% damage
to the item first ignited’. These descriptions were then compared with the coded data on the
Home Office database.
In how many cases was there a fatality and were these investigated more thoroughly?
The sample response included 12 fatalities in 11 incidents (one double fatality).
Two of these fatal incidents should not have been recorded under TV fires:
• The cause was originally given on the FDR1 as ‘80% short circuit in TV’, but the subsequent fire
investigation considered this only a remote possibility. The fire is now thought to be part of a
robbery and is now the subject of a murder enquiry – coded as ‘internal fault’ with TV as source.
• "This was a major incident involving 8 or 9 homes and a gas explosion and after reviewing all
reports, including the Coroner’s, there is no mention of a television" – coded as ‘fault in fuel
supply’ with TV as source.
Five fatalities (in 4 incidents) were coded as TV being the source but doubt was expressed:
• TV electrical fault (70%), adjacent HiFi, or dropped lighted cigarette, "looks like TV – electrical
cable insulation near power source", Mfi (material first ignited) was ‘combustible elements
of portable TV or combustible materials on the floor’ – coded as ‘internal fault’ with TV
as source.
• "The fire pattern and spread indicated that (the fire) started in the corner, quite possibly
in the television set" – coded as ‘internal fault’
• Fault ‘Electrical short circuit in or around the TV or Video’, source ‘Heat from electric short
circuit’– double fatality, coded to ‘internal fault’ with TV as source,
• ‘Likely cause TV left switched on and overheated or Sega Megadrive computer left switched
on and transformer overheated’, source ‘Portable TV or home computer’ – coded to ‘internal
fault’ with TV as source.
Two further fatal incidents involved the power supply to the TV:
• The fault was 75% breakdown of insulation in the mains cable running under the carpet to
the TV, which ignited paper underlay and spread to chair polyurethane foam – coded as
‘fault in appliance lead’.
• The socket, used for an old valve TV with old wiring, sparked and set fire to rubbish, the
house was filled with household rubbish – coded as ‘used carelessly’.
Page 44
The remaining three fatal incidents were put down to faults within the TV:
• The investigation summary states that ‘The cause of the fire has been recorded as defective
insulation within the TV set’, though ‘the cause of death is unknown pending the coroner’s
inquest’ – coded to ‘internal fault’.
• Defect in Toshiba TV caused overheating – the fatal incident was not investigated by the
brigade concerned and was coded as ‘internal fault’.
• "It is the opinion of the investigating officer that the cause of the fire was a catastrophic
electrical fault within the TV. The damage to the TV was consistent with a fire located within
the casing causing it to collapse inwards. The circuit breaker protecting the socket circuit
had tripped." The internal fire was confined to the TV – coded to ‘internal fault’.
The conclusion from the details provided by the brigades concerned must be that in only one
incident out of 11 (the final entry) is there reasonable evidence discussed to show that the TV
was actually to blame.
In two of the incidents the TV was not involved; in four other incidents doubt was expressed; in
two incidents it was the power supply to the TV which caused the problem; and in the remaining
two there appears to have been no investigation of the TV to confirm that it was the source and
to attempt to identify the specific fault.
This analysis of the general sample of TV fires suggests that fatal TV fire incidents do not appear
to be investigated or recorded any more thoroughly than non-fatal incidents. The sample appears
to indicate that the number of fatalities due to TV faults is overstated in the Home Office data.
In how many incidents was the TV destroyed or badly damaged?
Level of Damage to TV identified in General Sample
Category
Living Room Bedroom Other Room Total
Details known of % damage to item first ignited
TV destroyed (90-100%)
46
47
/
17
TV damaged (over 50%)
5
2
1
8
Sub total %IFI known
51
17
9
79
TV case mentioned
11
5
1
17
Spread to furniture/furnishings
6
5
2
13
No indication of spread
32
11
3
46
Sub total %IFI not known
49
21
6
76
Total
100
40
15
155
Details not known of % damage to item first ignited
Page 45
Details regarding the extent of damage to the TV (the item first ignited) were known for 79 incidents,
of which 71 had been totally (over 90%) destroyed by fire and a further 8 had been severely
damaged (over 80%) by fire and heat.
Of the remaining 76 where percentage damage was not known, 17 stated that the TV case had
been involved in the fire and in 13 incidents the fire was stated to have spread to furniture and
furnishings. In these 30 incidents it appears reasonable to assume that the TV case did not contain
the fire and became involved in the development and/or spread of the fire and that the TV was
badly damaged.
Descriptions used for ‘Fault’ in General Sample of TV Fires, 1994 – 1998
Category Fault description
Specific
Set destroyed
Not known
Total
Fault in mains cable
2
2
Covered by cloth/part covered
1
Knocked over/Dog knocked over
2
2
Heat ignited dried flowers
1
1
1
2
Accumulation of dust
1
1
Socket sparked
1
1
Papers on TV
1
Mains lead
1
1
Plant over-watered
1
1
6
12
Sub-total
Detailed On/off switch
6
2
2
Faulty condenser
1
1
Internal fire
1
1
Defective switch
1
1
Tube exploded while on
1
1
Faulty coil
1
1
Electrical fault transformer
1
1
Fault in set – went "pop"
1
1
TV exploded
1
1
6
10
Sub-total
4
(continued)
Page 46
Category Fault description
General
Set destroyed
Not known
Total
Short circuit
20
14
34
Electrical fault
14
4
18
Fault/Defect in TV
12
4
16
Overheated
9
1
10
Faulty TV/Defective TV
3
2
5
Defective/Faulty wiring
3
1
4
TV/Appliance/Equipment fault
3
2
5
Failure/Breakdown of insulation
3
1
4
Defect
2
2
Caught fire/TV ignited
2
2
Started in TV/TV obvious cause
1
Ignited wiring in TV
1
1
TV
1
1
Component failure
1
74
31
105
TV ignited while on/TV on
2
2
4
TV left on/Left unattended
2
2
Fault while watching
1
1
Sub-total
Standby
5
7
1
1
Exploded on standby
1
1
Electrical fault on standby
1
1
1
1
3
1
4
? Fault in TV
3
1
4
? Short circuit
1
1
2
? Wiring
1
Sub-total
1
? Electrical fault
1
1
? TV
1
1
? Combined heat
1
1
? Electrical fault "just a guess"
1
1
5
6
11
5
1
6
Total
102
53
155
%
66%
34%
100%
Sub-total
?
2
Seat of fire in TV on standby
TV on standby
Doubt
2
1
Sub-total
On
1
?
Page 47
The TV has therefore been recorded as having been destroyed or badly damaged in a total of
102 of the 155 incidents (66%).
However, in the remaining 53 incidents, the FDR1 coding indicates that the fire had spread
beyond the appliance (the sample was selected on that basis).
What descriptions were used for the faults ascribed to the incidents?
The table above shows that:
• In only 22 of the 155 incidents was there a specific or detailed description of the fault.
• A general description was used in 105 of the incidents, the most common being ‘short circuit’,
‘electrical fault’, ‘fault/defect in the TV’ and ‘overheated’.
• 11 of the descriptions referred to the TV being ‘on’ or left in ‘standby’. Some of these fault
descriptions were also of a general nature.
• 11 others expressed some doubt as to whether the TV was to blame for the incident.
• 6 did not include a description of the fault.
The high proportion of 'general descriptions' raises doubt as to the extent to which the fault is
really ‘known’ or has been ‘assumed’.
What descriptions were used for the ‘Material First Ignited’ and ‘Material Mainly Responsible?
The following table shows the descriptions used for 'Material first ignited' and 'Material mainly
responsible' in the general sample of incidents.
In only 8 out of the 155 incidents is there what BSG considers to be a specific description of the
'Material first ignited'. In 95% of incidents, the description was either general in nature e.g.
Insulation, TV case, Components, Pcb etc. or left blank.
Five of the specific descriptions: Carpet, Dried flowers, Dust, Magazine and Paper underlay, are
associated with a 'Specific fault' identified above.
One description: '? combustible TV parts or combustible materials on floor', adds to a 'Doubt
fault' category.
And two others: 'Curtains' and 'Pvc & paper', give added detail as to what was the outcome of an
'Overheated fault', though neither adds to the cause of the overheating. Both entries beg the question
as to whether the curtains or the paper were the cause of the overheating, i.e. a behavioural
factor rather than an internal fault in the TV?
'Pvc insulation' was used as the description of Material first ignited in 77 of the 155 incidents (50%),
in 30 of which '-ditto-', 'pvc', the same wording or a blank were the entry in Material mainly
responsible for the development of the fire. In all of these incidents, the fire had spread beyond
the appliance; in 11 incidents the percentage Ifi entry (percentage damage to the item first
ignited) suggested that the TV had been destroyed; and in 9 incidents the fire had spread
beyond the room of origin.
It does not seem reasonable that insulation material could have been the 'Material mainly
responsible for the development' of a fire(Mmr) that has spread so far and done so much
damage. The general descriptions used the describe 'Fault', Mfi and Mmr appear to suggest that
a common form of words is being used by many fire officers, when completing the FRD1 forms.
Page 48
Descriptions used for Mfi & Mmr in General Sample
Material first ignited
Insulation/pvc
Material mainly responsible
TV case/back
-do-
18
-
10
8
Bed/bedding/mattress
5
4
Wood/walling
4
Plastic/pvc
3
(Other single items)
4
Sub total insulation
TV/set/case
TV Case/-do-
Totals
21
Furniture/furnishings
Curtains/blind
Incidents
77
4
Bedding 3
-
1
(Other single items)
7
Sub total TV
Components/internal parts
15
Plastic components/-do- 7
TV Case 2
-
1
Combustible materials close
1
Sub total Components
Wire pvc/plastic/sheath -do-
11
5
TV case 5
Furniture foam
1
Curtains/blind
1
Sub total Wire
?
?
10
1
(Other single items)
4
Sub total ?
5
Printed Control Panel (Pcb)/electrical circuitTV case 2
Chairs foam
1
Furnishings/toys 1
Sub total Pcb
Carpet Cupboards
4
1
TV set 1
Sub total Carpet
2
(continued overleaf)
Page 49
Descriptions used for Mfi & Mmr in General Sample (continued)
Material first ignited
Curtains -do-
1
Dried flowers
TV case 1
Dust
1
Dust
Furnishings plastic
-do-
Insulation/TV case
Upholstery
Magazines
1
-do-
1
Paper underlay Chair foam
1
-do-
Combustible TV parts
Incidents
Totals
1
Mains rigid plast TV case plas
Pvc & paper
-
Material mainly responsible
1
1
or combustible materials 1
Rubbish 1
Just a guess
-
1
Sub total others
- (no entry)
- (no entry)
12
19
Total
155
The subsequent coding and analysis of these general comments is hiding, what appears to be,
a general assumption that a badly damaged TV must have been 'the cause' of the fire. Little or
no attempt appears to be made to give any specific cause and some form of general wording is
used to fill the spaces in the FDR1 form.
Verbatim comments support the apparent use of 'Rubber Stamp' entries in FDR1s
As part of the sampling process, BSG spoke directly to many of the individual brigades. Many
expressed surprise at the general nature of the entries they had been asked to check and the
assumptions these implied (the comments are not ascribed as many were made in confidence):
"Watch Officers do the fire reports, but on minor fires (such as TVs) only put down the
supposed cause but do not analyse what’s caused it. There cannot be a realistic analysis
of FDR1 because of this approach. Our ACFO (Assistant Chief Fire Officer) is pushing in the
direction of improving the FDR1."
"I believed it was due to the electrical wiring in the TV set, just a guess as there was so much
damage" – coded as internal fault with TV as cause.
"None of the (TV) incidents were extraordinary, nor deemed unusual enough to warrant
further investigation".
"The Philips TV was left on standby, the room was gutted, but the cause of the fire uncertain.
There was no investigation." – coded as internal fault with TV as cause."
Page 50
"Having spoken to the officer concerned about the fire which was coded as 'power left on',
he recalls that it was due to a pot plant being over watered – I don't know why this wasn't
stated as the cause."
"We would be happy to know that the fire started within the TV as the supposed cause of the
fire – we don't have the resources to investigate further. It is not our remit to find out specifically
why the fire started e.g. the individual component, as long as we know it's from within."
" An investigating officer was sent, but deemed no need to report, blaming an electrical fault
within the TV causing it to catch fire and spread."
"No-one is shown how to fill in an FDR1".
"The old FDR1 told a story, but the new ones are just down to statistics and you can't tell from
them what has happened – they don't tell a story now."
"The one incident was due to a 'faulty condenser'- the TV was totally destroyed. No make
was recorded."
"Tends to be assumption that fires in TVs are an electrical fault. People don't admit to candle
problem as they believe there will be insurance implications."
"Virtually nothing was left of the television although the officer's impression was that the fire
originated within the set. The make, model and age were unknown. The four casualties were
in the room next door, they heard a 'pop' or similar and then left the house through the lounge
where the TV was and suffered from smoke inhalation – they could have left by another route
through the back door."
"I think a fault inside the set, a component – no examination was carried out."
"We need to do a little more investigation on more mundane home fires as this would help
to train junior officers".
"Fire brigades are not advised of product recalls".
"I attended a meeting in London at the end of '98 and saw the video where the double wick
effect in nightlights can cause TV fires and can be used to set a fire deliberately. I made our
people aware of this so that they tend to look for it and are likely to ask about it."
This latter comment from Strathclyde prompted BSG to compare the results found in the 5 years
to the end of 1998 with the latest data Strathclyde could provide – to July 1999.
• In the six TV fire incidents which had occurred in the first part of 1999, three included
reference to nightlights or candles: "Lit candle on TV", Careless placement of candle",
"Aroma therapy candle on TV"
• In the incidents sampled prior to the Strathclyde officers being made aware of the nightlight
candle problem, there were no references found in TV fires to such external sources.
The comments from the brigades confirm the impression left by the general comments, analysed
above, that little or no investigation is undertaken on TV fires and that 'a form of words', most
commonly 'electrical fault – insulation/pvc – ditto' is used to 'rubber stamp' the FDR1 form. As a
result, it is possible that a significant number of fires in homes have been blamed on the TV,
where they might equally have been caused by an external source, action or behaviour.
Page 51
RESULTS FROM THE ANALYSIS OF ALL WEST YORKSHIRE TV FIRES 1996 TO DATE
Analysis of all West Yorkshire TV fire incidents showed that only 3 of the 94 TV fire incidents
gave a reasonable indication of what happened and why. The remaining 91 incidents were
all blamed on the TV, but none had been investigated and all had general comments as to
the fault and/or the materials involved. The TV was destroyed in 81% of the incidents.
West Yorkshire Fire Brigade records its FDR1s in a way which allows all data relating to TV fires
to be accessed. West Yorkshire provided BSG with a listing of 94 TV fire incidents, covering the
period 1996 to July 1999, allowing BSG to refer to the FDR1s on file.
West Yorkshire TV Fires – Room of Origin, 1996 – July 1999
Room of origin
1996
1997
1998
1999pt
Total
%
Living room
19
9
15
10
53
56%
Bedroom
8
8
11
3
30
32%
Other rooms
5
3
2
1
11
12%
Total
32
20
28
14
94
100%
There were 94 incidents over the 3.6 years, an average of 26 per year. 56% occurred in the
living room, 32% in the bedroom and the remainder in 'Other rooms'. The 11 incidents in 'other
rooms' included the kitchen (4), dining room (2), bed-sitting room, bathroom, conservatory,
caravan and unknown.
There were 19 incidents involving injury, 13 in the living room and 6 in the bedroom. These
caused 37 injuries, 29 in the living room and 8 in the bedroom.
There were no fatalities.
Page 52
W. Yorks. TV Fires – Fault & Extent of Damage to TV, 1996 – July 1999
Living Room
Category Fault description
% damage to item first ignited (TV)
>80%
50-75%
<50%
Total
Specific Imploded & fell on electric fire
Detailed Short circuit – transformer
TV imploded
General Electrical fault
On
1
1
2
1
14
1
1
2
4
20
Short circuit
12
2
14
Overheated
2
2
4
Faulty
2
1
3
Internal fault – short circuit
1
Internal fault
1
1
TV
1
1
Left on – overload
1
1
TV left on
1
1
1
1
1
1
Standby Defective wiring on standby
Short circuit on standby
Total
1
39
1
4
2
10
53
74% of the 53 TV fire incidents in the living room resulted in the TV set being over 80% damaged
by fire. This appears high, but the fire brigade may not be called to smaller TV incidents. In the
remaining incidents, the TV is reported to have suffered at least 50% damage.
As with the general sample, the West Yorkshire sample is also dominated by 'general comments'.
In only 4 incidents was there a specific or detailed description of the cause. The main general
comments were 'Electrical fault' (20) and 'Short circuit' (14).
Page 53
Bedroom
Category Fault description
Specific
% damage to item first ignited (TV)
>80%
50-75%
<50%
Total
Bedding on TV
1
1
Candles on TV
1
1
Electrical fault
7
Short circuit
7
Overheated
5
5
Defective
3
3
Appliance fault
1
1
On
Unattended
1
1
Standby
Overheated on standby
1
1
General
Total
27
1
1
1
9
1
8
2
30
90% of the incidents in the bedroom resulted in the TV being 80% or more destroyed.
Only 2 of the 30 incidents gave specific causes – 'Bedding on TV' and 'Candles on TV'. Neither
of these two incidents were included in the Home Office database (due to sampling) and so it
is not possible to compare the descriptions used to the coding applied.
General comments again dominate – 'Electrical fault' (9), 'Short circuit' (8) and 'Overheated'
(5) being the main descriptions.
Other Room
Category Fault description
Specific
Child connected &
switched on faulty TV
% damage to item first ignited (TV)
>80%
50-75%
<50%
Total
1
1
Detailed Overheating at rear
1
1
General
Short circuit
2
2
Electrical fault
1
1
Overheated
1
1
Faulty
1
1
TV
1
Fault on standby
1
Standby
Total
10
1
2
1
1
11
Over 90% of incidents in other rooms resulted in the TV being destroyed (over 80% destruction).
2 of the 11 incidents gave specific or detailed fault descriptions. General comments are again in the majority.
Page 54
What proportion of West Yorkshire TV fires involved destruction of the TV?
The TV was more than 80% destroyed in 74 out of the 94 incidents (81%). This is based on all
incidents coded to a TV fire attended by W. Yorks. and includes fires contained within the
appliance as well as those which had spread beyond.
What proportion of West Yorkshire TV incidents had 'general' fault descriptions?
86 of the 94 incidents (91%) had 'general' fault descriptions, including those where the set was
stated to be 'on' or in 'standby'.
What descriptions were used for the materials and spread involved in the TV fires?
W. Yorks. TV Fires – Fire Spread & Damage to TV, 1996 – July 1999
Living Room
% damage to item first ignited (TV)
>80%
50-75%
<50%
Total
Category of Spread Identified
TV Case
12
Furniture & furnishings
7
Other
20
Total
1
13
1
8
3
9
32
39
4
10
53
1
7
1
13
TV Case Mentioned
First Ignited
Mainly Responsible
Insulation
TV Case plastic
8
Insulation
TV Case wood
1
Insulation
TV & Video
1
Insulation
TV Case/Furniture
1
Insulation
TV Case/Shelf
1
Total
12
Spread to Furniture/Furnishings
Insulation
Furniture – foam
2
2
Int components
Contents
2
2
1
1
Furniture & furnish -doWire insulation
Curtains & chair
Carpet
-do-
1
1
Insulation
Polystyrene tiles
1
1
Total
1
7
1
1
8
(continued overleaf)
Page 55
W. Yorks. TV Fires – Fire Spread & Damage to TV, 1996 – July 1999 (continued)
Living Room
% damage to item first ignited (TV)
>80%
50-75%
<50%
Total
Not TV Case/Not furnishings
First Ignited
Mainly Responsible
Insulation
-do
12
Internal plastic components -do
Electrical insul
6
20
1
1
2
-do
1
1
2
Pcb plastic
-do
1
1
2
Insulation
Insulation pvc
2
Insulation
Plastic components
Wiring/compts
-do
1
1
Components
-do
1
1
?
Plastic components
1
1
Total
2
2
1
20
3
1
9
32
In all but two incidents, the description of the 'Material first ignited' is 'general' i.e. insulation,
components, pcb.
In one incident, the Mfi and Mmr were entered as 'carpet'. In this incident, the TV is said to have
imploded and fallen onto an electric fire, which then ignited the carpet.
In the remaining incident, Furniture & furnishings were entered in both Mfi & Mmr (as '-do-').
The cause here was an 'electrical fault' in the TV.
Page 56
Bedroom
% damage to item first ignited (TV)
>80%
50-75%
<50%
Total
Category of Spread Identified
TV Case
11
1
12
Furniture & furnishings
5
Other
11
1
1
13
Total
27
1
3
30
5
TV Case Mentioned
First Ignited
Mainly Responsible
Insulation
TV Case plastic
7
7
TV case
Fabric/soft furnishg
1
1
Wiring or insul
TV Case plastic
1
1
TV Case plastic
-do-
1
1
Int components
TV Case plastic
1
1
Not known
TV Case plastic
Total
11
1
1
1
12
Spread to Furniture/Furnishings
Insulation
Furniture & furnish
2
2
Insulation
Bedding
1
1
Duvet cover
Duvet
1
1
Loom pvc
Chipboard cupboard
1
1
5
5
Total
Not TV Case/Not furnishings
First Ignited
Mainly Responsible
Insulation
-do
7
Wire insulation
-do
2
2
Insulation
Files & paper
1
1
Pcb
-do
1
1
Total
11
1
1
1
1
9
13
In all but three incidents, the description of the 'Material first ignited' is 'general' i.e. insulation,
components, pcb or loom.
In two incidents, the TV Case is recorded as the 'Material first ignited'. One then spread to Fabric
and soft furnishings, with the fault described as 'defective'. This is also a very general description.
Page 57
In the other, the fault was 'Candles on the TV' and the TV Case was therefore correctly entered
as both Mfi and Mmr.
In the remaining incident, the fault was 'Bedding on the TV' and the Mfi was therefore the duvet
cover and the Mmr the Duvet itself.
W. Yorks. TV Fires – Fire Spread & Damage to TV, 1996 – July 1999
Other Room
% damage to item first ignited (TV)
>80%
50-75%
<50%
Total
Category of Spread Identified
TV Case
3
3
Furniture & furnishings
3
3
Other
4
1
5
Total
10
1
11
TV Case Mentioned
First Ignited
Mainly Responsible
Insulation
TV Case plastic
2
2
TV Case plastic
-do-
1
1
3
3
Total
Spread to Furniture/Furnishings
First Ignited
Mainly Responsible
Curtains
Furniture – foam
1
1
Wire insulation
Fixtures & fittings
1
1
Insulation
Timber cladding
1
1
3
3
Total
Not TV Case/Not furnishings
First Ignited
Mainly Responsible
Insulation
-do
3
Wires at rear
Wire & insulation
1
Total
4
1
4
1
1
5
In all but three incidents, the description of the 'Material first ignited' is 'general' i.e. insulation.
In one where the TV Case is stated as Mfi and Mmr (as -do-), the fault is entered as 'TV'. This also
is a very general entry.
Page 58
The entry 'Wires at rear' as Mfi is matched by the more detailed fault description as 'Overheated at
rear'. However, it appears to indicate that little is known about the cause or the materials involved.
The only detailed description is of Mfi as 'Curtains, with Mmr as 'Furniture – foam'. The fault here is
entered as 'Faulty' and therefore still suggests doubt as to the cause of the spread to the furnishings.
How many of the West Yorkshire Incidents give a 'better than general' description
of the fault or materials involved in the spread?
From the analysis above, only 3 of the 94 TV fire incidents in West Yorkshire from 1996 to mid
1999 gave a reasonable indication of what happened and why:
• The duvet covering the TV caused overheating and set fire to the duvet.
• The candles on the TV in the bedroom.
• The faulty TV that the children found, plugged in and switched on.
None of the three were the fault of the TV, as the faulty TV should not have been left for the
children to find.
The remaining 91 incidents were all blamed on the TV, however, none had been investigated
and all had general comments as to the fault and/or the materials involved.
How many of the West Yorkshire TV incidents were blamed on external factors?
Only 3 of the 94 incidents (3%) referred to external factors in causing the TV fire: 'Bedding on the
TV', 'Candles on the TV' and 'Children plugging in and switching on a TV known to be defective'.
RESULTS FROM THE ANALYSIS OF LFCDA TV FIRES 1995 TO DATE
197 TV fire incidents had been investigated by LFCDA. Only 15% of these incidents gave
details as to the cause, 85% of incidents were again described in 'general terms' only.
Date of purchase information, calculated from age of appliance data provided for 60%
of the incidents, showed peaks for 1987, '93, '94 & '96 and indicated that 17% of these
incidents involved products which had been subject to recall. Technical investigations
showed 'on/off switch' faults to be the most common.
London Fire & Civil Defence Authority (LFCDA) have the largest staff of fire investigators of
any brigade. The results of their fire investigations are recorded in a database that was started
during 1995.
Page 59
What was the stated cause of the LFCDA TV Fire Incidents?
The LFCDA database identified 197 incidents where a TV was coded as the source.
LFCDA Stated Cause of TV Fires, 1994 – 1999
Stated Cause
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
Total
Specific Cause
Mains cable
1
Nightlight
1
1
Candle holder found
Dust
1
1
1
Lightning strike
1
1
Soft toy
1
1
Watering plant
1
1
Sub Total Specific
1
3
1
2
1
1
7
4
3
13
1
1
2
1
2
Component detail
Switch
5
Capacitor
Transformer
1
Mains input cable
1
Oscillator
1
1
Sub Total Specific 1
1
7
6
5
19
Location detail
Component glowing
1
1
Smoke from rear
1
1
Bottom right front
1
1
Sub Total Location
2
1
3
General Comment
Insulation/Wiring
2
18
47
23
14
104
Components TV/Int/Elect
1
8
11
4
10
34
3
4
8
Pcb/Circuitry
1
Plastic/pvc
2
TV Case
Wiring
1
1
2
Fixture/fitting
4
2
5
8
32
1
64
Unknown
Page 60
4
1
Sub Total General 3
Total
3
4
44
67
36
28
163
2
3
5
46
36
197
A specific cause was given for 7 of the 197 incidents (4%) investigated. In these 7 incidents,
the cause would appear not to be a fault with the TV. In 5 an external source is given: nightlight,
candleholder found, lightning strike, soft toy and watering plant. In another, the cause was a
build up of dust inside the TV, and, in the remaining incident, the fault was in the mains cable.
In a further 21 incidents (11%), details were given as to the component or the location where
the fire started. The TV 'switch' was most common fault.
However, LFCDA data follows the pattern seen in both the 'General sample' and the West Yorkshire
sample, where the majority of incidents are described in 'general terms'. For 169 of the 197 incidents
(85%) there was no specific entry or indication in the text as to the cause. For these incidents,
the table below shows the Material first ignited. These were all described in general terms or as
unknown. The largest category (113 incidents) referred to 'insulation' or 'wiring'.
What was the extent of damage to the TV by cause?
Category Stated Cause
Specific
Detailed
>80%
% damage to item first ignited (TV)
50-75%
<50%
Blank
Total
Mains cable
1
1
Nightlight
1
1
Candle holder found
1
1
Dust
1
1
Lightning strike
1
1
Soft toy
1
1
Watering plant
1
1
5
13
Switch
7
Capacitor
2
1
2
Transformer
Mains input cable
1
1
2
1
Oscillator
1
Component glowing
1
Smoke from rear
General
1
1
1
1
1
Bottom right front
1
1
Insulation/Wiring
57
9
12
26
104
Components
18
1
3
12
34
Pcb/Circuitry
4
2
1
1
8
3
3
Plastic/pvc
TV Case
5
Wiring
2
5
4
1
Fixture/fitting
Unknown
4
Total
104
17
19
1
8
1
1
1
5
57
197
Page 61
Overall, in 104 of 197 incidents (53%) the TV was destroyed (80% or more). The TV was 50% or
more damaged in a further 17 incidents.
The extent of damage is not stated for 57 incidents. In 29 of these, the TV case was involved in
the fire, making a total of 133 (68%) incidents in which the TV case was set alight by whatever
caused the fire.
In total, 114 incidents were stated to have spread beyond the TV.
In those incidents where 'general' descriptions were used, the TV is also likely to be severely
damaged – 90 out of 168 were damaged by 80% or more.
Age of TV for Incidents 1995 – 1999
25
Incidents
20
15
10
5
<1
Page 62
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
LFCDA Date of Incident & Age of TV, 1995 – 1999
Age of appliance
1996
1997
1999
Total
Less than 1 year
4
4
1
9
1
2
1
1
4
2
7
2
3
1
13
3
2
3
1
4
10
2
1
5
8
6
16
4
4
10
2
2
8
4
1995
1
1
5
1
6
2
1
7
3
8
2
9
10
1
1
1998
2
1
1
3
3
11
4
3
22
1
2
2
1
6
11
12
13
14
1
15
1
20
Total
2
25
2
3
1
1
32
32
1
3
9
2
28
120
The age of the appliance was given in 120 of the 197 incidents, allowing some more detailed
analysis of these TV incidents.
As might be expected, after the first three years, the perception of the age of a TV will be less
precise and will tend to polarise on ages such as 5, 10, 15 or 20. When looked at on a cumulative
basis, then these variations are evened out. 80% of faults occur up to 10 years of age and 50 %
within the first 5 years.
Using the appliance age (as recorded above) and the year of the incident, it is possible to chart
the year of purchase of the TVs involved in the LFCDA incidents.
Page 63
LFCDA Date of Purchase of TV, 1995 – 1999
Date of Purchase for Incidents 1995 – 1999
18
16
14
Incidents
12
10
8
6
4
2
77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
The resulting chart showing the year of purchase data, reveals significant peaks in the TVs
purchased in 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997.
These peaks are not significantly altered when these numbers are related to the total sales
of TVs in each year.
Which makes of TV are most involved in LFCDA incidents?
The LFCDA database has recorded the make of TV involved in the incidents recorded for 149 of
the 197 incidents. The model is also recorded
The main 'makes' involved are: Philips, Sony, Ferguson and Matsui (Dixons & Currys own brand).
The numbers of incidents do not indicate any relative risk. The manufacturers association BREMA
(British Radio and Electronic Equipment Manufacturers Association) provided BSG,
in confidence, with relative share data by manufacturer and data for retail/rental own brands in
total. There is, as might be expected, some variation in relative risk, but overall the numbers of
LFCDA incidents by 'make' broadly reflect the relative shares within the market place.
In 7 incidents the sets involved in fires had been bought second hand.
Page 64
Have there been many product recalls on TVs and do these reflect in the fire data?
Twelve recall notices involving TVs have been identified since 1989. The list has been compiled
largely with the assistance of the Consumers Association, together with the DTI and other
contacts. These are listed below.
There does not appear to be any central register of recall notices. The Consumers Association
appear to have the largest collection, but even here they are collected by CA themselves. Fire
brigades complain that they are not made aware of recalls that might affect them and allow them
to feedback information to manufacturers.
The TV manufacturers report that only a low percentage of the TV sets subject to a recall notice
are actually returned for attention to the manufacturer, the retailer, or the service agent. Where
the fault involved in the recall can cause fire, it would be expected, therefore, since only a small
proportion are corrected, that a significant number of incidents relating to these recalls would
appear in the fire brigade incidents.
1999
1
1
2
1
1994
4
3
1993
1
1992
1
1991
1
Unknown
Other
Bush
Pye
1
3
2
1
1
1
1
2
1990
1
1989
1
1988
1
1
1
1987
3
2
1
1986
3
1985
2
1
1984
3
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
5
2
4
12
2
1
6
5
1
18
4
4
14
1
1
8
1
5
1
1
1
6
1
3
1
6
1
1
1
3
1
4
2
13
1
5
3
1
5
1
1
1982
1981
1
2
1995
Total
1
1
1997
1983
Mitsubishi
1
1998
1996
Panasonic
Toshiba
Granada
Grundig
Hitachi
Goodman
Matsui
Ferguson
Sony
Date
of purchase
Philips
LFCDA Date of Purchase of TV by Make, 1995 – 1999
1
1
1
3
1
2
1
(continued overleaf)
Page 65
Unknown
Other
Bush
Pye
Mitsubishi
Panasonic
Toshiba
Granada
Grundig
Hitachi
Goodman
Matsui
Ferguson
Sony
Date
of purchase
Philips
LFCDA Date of Purchase of TV by Make, 1995 – 1999 (continued)
Total
1980
1979
1978
1
1
1977
1
Total
17 14
6
8
6
4
4
2
4
3
2
2
Age unknown
7
7
4
1
3
2
3
1
1
2
2
All incidents
24 21 13 12
7
7
6
5
5
4
4
4
7
3
3
1
27 18
120
7
30
77
34 48
197
LFCDA Incidents Involving ‘Other’ Makes, 1995 – 99
Make
No
Make
No
Make
No
Aiwa
1
Goldstar
1
Rediffusion
1
Alba
1
Hinari
1
Saisho
2
Bang & Olufsen
1
ITT Nokia
2
Samsung
1
Beon
1
JVC
2
Sanyo
2
DeGraff
1
Marconi
1
Sharp
1
Dynatron
1
Minoka
1
Soundwave
1
Finlandia
2
Murphy
1
Thorn
2
Finlux
2
Nikkai
1
Triumph
1
GEC
1
Osaki
2
TOTAL
34
Recalls of television sets identified
(Data largely provided by the Consumer’s Association)
Matsui 1455 – 14"
16/2/00
"… a component within the … portable CTV set may overheat, and in certain circumstances
catch fire. These sets were sold through Dixons & Currys stores between 1988 and 1993."
Daewoo GB20T8ST
29/9/99
"A potential problem…could lead to the appliance overheating which may eventually cause
lasting damage. If the picture quality deteriorates, & there is no apparent external cause
…turn off your TV and contact Daewoo …"
Page 66
Sharp 37DM23H/37DT25H – 14" portable
7/4/98
"… a component … could fail, and in very rare instances may cause mains voltages to be present
in the antenna and Euro-SCART sockets … purchased between August 1997 and March 1998."
Matsui 1424 – 14"
4/3/97
"… a component within the … portable TV set may overheat, and in certain circumstances
catch fire. These sets were sold through Dixons & Currys stores from January 1993 onwards."
Matsui 209(R or T) – 20"
11/1/94
"… a (power supply) component within the … TV set may fail and dangerously overheat, creating
a small risk of fire. These sets were purchased after July 1992 in Dixons & Currys shops."
Ferguson Models 51K, 51L or 59K (range of serial nos. quoted)
19/8/93
"Over a long period of time, the on/off switch can deteriorate possibly resulting in overheating
or the set occasionally switching itself on whilst unattended."
Sharp C1407 – 14" portable
Apr/May 93
"… over a long period of time, the On/Off switch can become faulty and in extreme
circumstances there is a risk of overheating. … on sale for three years from October 1993."
Philips/Pye/Dynatron 22", 26", 56cm, 66cm models (range of models quoted) 10/2/93
"… over a long period of time – metal fatigue can occur in certain soldered joints causing the set
to malfunction. Under certain circumstances, if the failure goes un-noticed, there is a very rare
risk of scorching occurring within the set. … models manufactured between 1983 and 1986."
Matsui 2580 – 25"
7/1/93
"… in certain circumstances, a component within the … set may fail and overheat. These sets
were purchased between May 1989 and May 1991."
Matsui 209 – 20"
6/11/92
"… in certain circumstances, a component within the … set may fail and dangerously overheat,
creating a small risk of fire. These sets were purchased after July 1992 in Dixons and Curry shops."
Finlux CTV 1000 & 2000
Mar 91
"A problem can occur within the set after abnormally high use. This can result in overheating
which, in extreme cases, can lead to fire …purchased new before 1990."
Sony All models (no specific models quoted)
Aug 89
"… we have discovered a serious defect in some of the sets sold within this period …
January 1985 and August 1988 …the on/off switch can deteriorate rapidly which can lead
to overheating … this could lead to a fire risk."
Page 67
Proportion of LFCDA TVs of quoted age subject to recall
Applying the above recall dates to the LFCDA data, indicates that 26 of the 149 incidents with stated
makes/models, appear to involve TVs subject to recall. This represents 17% of all TV incidents.
Recalls & Non-recalls by Date of Purchase for LFCDA Incidents 1995 – 1999
18
16
14
Incidents
12
10
8
6
4
2
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
Recalls
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
Other faults
Given the number of TV recalls over the years and the low proportion of sets modified as a
result of the recall notices, a 17% level of incidents appearing to involve TVs subject to recall
is not unexpectedly high.
What appears to be unexpected, is that the numbers affected by recall do not explain the peaks
seen in particular years of purchase (and therefore presumably also broadly reflecting year of
manufacture).
It might reasonably be assumed that any major fault known to manufacturers that could start
a fire would be the subject of a recall, either voluntarily, to protect their brand image, or under
pressure from bodies such as Trading Standards.
If this is the case, then the 83% of TV fire incidents that do not appear to involve a recall must
be due to:
• Major faults that are not known to manufacturers – this is unlikely.
• Minor faults that are not anticipated to cause fires, but do.
• External factors such as behaviour that cause the TV to catch fire.
• The TV becoming involved in fires from external sources and being assumed to be the
source because of the TV suffers a significant amount of damage.
Page 68
What technical investigation has been undertake by LFCDA into TV fire incidents?
LFCDA refer specific incidents to Stanger Science and Environment for scientific and technical
investigation. BSG were given access to Stanger's investigations on TV fires. From 1994 to 1999
Stanger had investigated 49 TV fire incidents.
These investigations covered 19 different 'makes', with 6 unable to be identified.
The results of the investigation showed the following faults:
Faults found in Stanger Investigations, 1994 – 99
Fault
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
On/off switch
1
4
2
3
3
Not determined
4
3
1
2
Input supply
2
2
Candle/nightlight
Mains lead
2
1
1
Capacitor
DIY
11
1
5
4
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
Pcb component
1
Remote receptor
1
1
Speaker
3
1
1
Line output trans
Transformer
1
1
Dry joint
Total
13
2
1
Oscillator
1999
1
1
1
1
1
No fault found
1
1
TV did not cause
1
1
Satellite decoder
Total
1
9
6
10
1
8
11
5
49
Problems with the on/off switch were the most common (27%). Problems with the input supply and
mains lead also featured strongly (16%) and could also have been a fault in the on/off switch area:
On/off switch
•
"Severely damaged. Plug fuse blown but set fuse complete. Arcing found in mains switch
contacts of TV and assumed to be the cause."
•
"Sony – on/off switch not modified on recall."
•
"Cause was on/off switch – Matsui 20s subject to recall."
Page 69
Input supply
•
"Damage in area of mains input and on/off switch but too much damage to identify specific
component".
•
"TV burst into flames while being watched. Fault either short/arc in input supply pcb or
input cable."
Mains lead
•
"Mechanical damage to mains lead at point of entry to TV thought to be responsible."
•
"Arcing at mid point of mains lead suggests fire began externally."
Candles/nightlights were believed to be the cause of four incidents:
•
"Damage at high point. Deposits of wax suggest candles burnt on top of unit. Nightlight
container found within TV."
•
"TV fire caused by candle burning in home-made holder melting through TV case and igniting it."
Single examples of other faults were found e.g.
Remote receptor
•
"Origin in front left of pcb in area of remote reception. Damage too great to identify particular fault."
Line output transformer
•
"TV undamaged by fire. Fault found in line output transformer causing component to overheat
and give off smoke."
Dry joint pcb
•
"Sparks and odour (no fire) from dry solder joint under main pcb. Common problem according
to Radio Rentals."
DIY
•
"Smell of burning allegedly while switched off. Evidence of DIY repairs and poor maintenance."
Oscillator
•
"Smoke and flames produced by oscillator component. Fire spread up pcb to back casing of TV."
•
"Small area of external damage to Philips TV. Burning originated from lower contact of yellow
oscillator – subject to recall."
Capacitor
•
"Small fire resulted from poor connection of capacitor to pcb – led to localised heating and
charring of board."
Speaker
•
"Fire had started in wiring to defective speaker known to have been faulty."
Pcb
•
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"Faulty component on pcb – damage too great to identify."
Transformer
•
"Transformer thought to be seat of fire."
Satellite Decoder
•
"Satellite decoder, VCR and TV damaged by fire. Indications of smoothing transformer
overheating – it was badly damaged. Decoder was the most damaged."
No fault
•
"Goodmans TV damaged in fire. No fault found, though model has history of fire related
problems indicated by Comet."
Even with the resources and expertise available at Stanger, the cause was not able to be
determined in 11 out of the 49 incidents (22%):
•
"Damage too severe to determine even whether it was an internal or external fault."
•
"Too badly damaged to determine origin."
•
"Went on fire just after being switched on. Damage to electrical components was fairly uniform.
No evidence which component was the origin of the fire."
•
"TV contained a larger distorted candle that had been burning on the top of the TV. Fire appears
to have started at rear right of TV – not possible to identify component that had failed. Fire
involved VCR and tapes."
Which 'makes' were involved in the faults identified by Stanger?
The main 'makes' involved in Stanger investigations were Sony (9), Matsui (4), Philips (4),
Goodmans – Comet own brand (3), Hitachi (3), Ferguson (2) and Samsung (2).
7 of the 13 'On/off switch' faults related to Sony TVs – the Sony on/off switch was the subject of a
recall. Matsui, Goodmans, Hitachi, Decca, Ferguson & Thorn also had on/off switch faults identified.
Page 71
Faults found by Manufacturer in Stanger Investigations, 1994 – 99
Sony
Matsui
Philips Goodmans Hitachi
On/off switch
7
1
1
Input supply
1
Manufacturer
Other
Total
Fault within TV
Mains lead
1 Decca, Thorn Ferguson, 13
1
ITT Nokia, Finlux, N/k 5
1
Oscillator
1
1
Capacitor
Osaki
3
Dynatron
2
1
1
Dry joint
Ferguson
1
Line output trans
Binatone
1
Pcb component
1
1
Remote receptor
Samsung
1
Speaker
Mitsubishi
1
Transformer
Samsung
1
DIY
1
1
Candle/nightlight
4
4
Not Fault of TV
No fault found
1
1
TV did not cause
1
1
Satellite decoder
Not determined
1
2
1
Total
9
4
4
3
3
1
1
7
11
26
49
Input supply problems affected Sony, Philips, Finlux & ITT Nokia.
Oscillator problems affected Philips and Dynatron.
Other faults and 'makes' were single entries.
What can be taken from findings of the Stanger investigations?
The Stanger findings give examples of the type of faults that can affect TVs and cause fires. These
accounted for 30 of the 49 investigations (61%). On/off switch problems were the most common.
It was found that in 8 of the 49 investigations (16%) the cause of the fire appeared not to have
been the TV. External sources such as candles/nightlights are a potential hazard for TVs.
It is interesting that even with the resources and expertise available at Stangers, the cause was
not able to be determined in 11 out of the 49 incidents (23%).
It is not surprising, therefore, that TV fires are described in such general terms by Fire Brigade
personnel where technical investigation is not available. LFCDA appears to be the only brigade
using such technical investigation on electrical appliances.
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How do these causes compare to those detailed in the Sambrook report?
In a report for the DTI into TV Fires (Europe) 1996, Sambrook Research International listed the main
types of component causing TV fire in the UK. "These were, in approximate order of importance:
•
On/off switch – tends to be the main cause of fire … over time the switch ages and wears and
this can lead to arcing across the contacts". A switch problem had caused a recall which had
resulted in only around 18% response.
•
Soldering of components – can also cause potentially dangerous situations" but, in the examples
quoted, tended to cause scorching rather than fire. One Far Eastern manufacturer was using
eyelets on the Pcb to provide a mechanically strong joint.
•
Relays/contacts – … may be a problem if left permanently on where there is a risk of overheating.
The Pcb should not catch fire. However, if wiring insulation of the component overheats and
there is a burning smell from the casing …consumers may well become alarmed that the TV is
about to catch fire. Leaving a TV on standby is not considered a risk by the industry as only a
small part of the TV is energised. 5 or more years ago a greater part of the TV was energised in
standby mode and consequently there was a higher risk involved.
•
Power supply unit – these units are considered as potential sources of ignition."
These findings are in line with the Stanger investigations (above), where the 'On/off switch'
and the 'Input supply' (power supply unit) were the main areas of fault.
Sambrook also reported that the main recorded causes of TV fires were 'Short circuit', 'Overheat',
'Electrical fault', 'Component failure' etc. They commented that "Any errors would be resulting
from judgements based upon initial impressions at the scene of the fire, rather than the analysis
of in-depth technical investigation."
This is also in line with the findings of this investigation – that little or no investigation is
undertaken into TV fires and that only generic descriptions are applied to the incidents at the
scene of the TV fire.
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What were the results of the word search of the LFCDA database?
BSG requested LFCDA to analyse their database for incidents where TVs were mentioned in text
entries as being involved in a fire and where the TV was not the source.
41 incidents were identified where the TV had been involved either directly or where the fire
had spread to the TV.
LFCDA External Sources Involving TV, 1995 – 1999
Type of Incident
1996
1997
1998
1999
Total
3
4
3
3
13
Nightlight on TV
3
2
1
6
Candle/NL on TV
2
1
1
4
1
1
1
2
7
26
1
1
TV involved directly
Candle on TV
Scented candle on TV
Candle on/near TV
Sub total candles/NL
1
3
10
6
Fan heater too near TV
Lighter
VCR on TV covered
1
1
1
1
TV on cooker hob
1
1
Spread to TV
Child playing with fire
1
1
Candle or nightlight
1
1
Candle on Xmas tree
1
1
Candle/NL on TV cabinet*
1
Satellite decoder
1
VCR on shelf below TV
1
Circumstances not known
Total
*Cabinet = furniture not TV case
Page 74
1
1
Radio-cassette player
2
5
13
10
1
1
1
2
4
13
41
26 incidents involved candles or nightlights placed directly on the TV.
• A scented candle had been placed on the TV in its plastic packaging and lit.
• An advent candle had been lit on top of the TV in a home-made foil holder.
• A candle had been placed directly on the TV with no holder.
• A candle was placed on the TV in a purpose-made resin candle holder, which caught alight
and destroyed the TV.
• A candle had been lit on the TV top adjacent to an Xmas card, which caught alight and set the
TV case alight.
• Candles were left unattended on the TV or the occupants fell asleep.
• Nightlights were left on top of the plastic TV case with no holder.
Candles and nightlights were also involved in three incidents where the fire spread to the TV:
• Candle/nightlight, used for religious purposes, was placed on timber TV cabinet.
• Lighted candles used as illumination on Christmas tree spread to TV.
• Candles and nightlights were placed on a shelf above the TV and spread to the TV below.
Other external sources where the TV was directly involved included:
• TV set left on ceramic hob while cleaning and two hotplates were accidentally knocked on.
• Cigarette lighter ignited plastic TV casing.
• Child playing (unsupervised) with a lighter, set fire to curtains. The fire then spread to the TV,
which was mainly responsible for the development of the fire.
• TV, VCR and satellite decoder all involved, decoder appears to have been responsible for fire.
• VCR stacked on top of TV and covered by a cloth.
• TV examined by Stanger – no positive evidence of fire starting in TV. VCR on shelf below
TV severely damaged by fire and may have been the cause.
These 41 cases where the TV was involved but not the cause can be added to the 197 LFCDA
TV incidents, of which 7 were shown to be external sources or not the fault of the TV. TVs
were, therefore, directly or indirectly involved in 238 incidents, in 48 of which the source was
external (20%).
If this sample is typical in other brigades, where the investigation of TV fires is less detailed,
then it is possible that at least 20% of all TV fire incidents involve external sources. The figure
could be higher, since the description of the faults and the materials, involved in many of the
incidents ascribed to TV faults, are couched in 'general terms'. In view of the high proportion
of TVs that are severely damaged in such incidents, making any examination very difficult, it
is possible that an external source could have been overlooked.
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Published Report on Nightlights and TV Fires
One of LFCDA's Fire Investigation Officers, SO Dave Townsend, has published a report on 'Fires
associated with the use of Night Light Candles (Tea Lights)' – October 1999. This report shows
that, in certain circumstances, nightlights can cause fires and often involve a TV set.
Under normal circumstances of burning, the aluminium case of a nightlight reaches a maximum
temperature of 820C. The container will be hot to touch, but may not damage combustible surfaces.
However, where a 'double wick effect' is present, caused by a spent match being left on the wax,
or where the nightlight burns abnormally, additional heat is generated raising the temperature
of the wax to its 'fire point' and creating a self-sustaining fire which heats the base of the nightlight
to as much as 3000C, sufficient to scorch timber or melt plastic.
Video images are now available, which show such a nightlight melting through the surface of a
TV case, as it sinks through the plastic of the TV case, it lights the molten edges of the hole. The
nightlight falls into the interior of the TV, where it starts a secondary fire, the smoke from which
emerges through the hole in the top of the TV. As the density of the smoke from within the TV
increases, it extinguishes the fire on the surface of the TV case, leaving the TV to destroy itself
from within, had it not then been extinguished.
The findings of this report were announced at the end of 1998. This meeting was attended by
a fire investigator from Strathclyde fire brigade, who subsequently advised his colleagues and,
as reported above, the number of cases attributed to nightlights and candles rose to account for
50% of the TV incidents reported in the subsequent 7 months.
The report prompted TV manufacturers to include a warning on candles and nightlights in their
'Do's and don’ts' leaflets issued with new sets.
INVESTIGATION OF TV FIRE INCIDENTS BY MANUFACTURERS
TV manufacturers have seen an increase in 'insurance claims' relating to TV fire incidents
but state that from their investigations around 99% of TV fires are due to an external cause.
BSG met with BREMA members and spoke with major retailers and rental companies about their
own investigations of TV fire incidents. The following points were made:
Increase in insurance claims on manufacturers
TV manufacturers have seen an acceleration of claims related to fire incidents. "Because the Fire
Brigades tend to ‘rubber stamp’ a fire involving a TV as being ‘caused by the TV’, the insurance
loss adjusters are using the FDR1s to push claims back to TV manufacturers and especially so if
the householder does not have contents insurance". The TV manufacturers state that fraudulent
claims are common.
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TV sets are easily blamed for fires
TV sets tend to ‘attract’ fire, show obvious evidence of their involvement in a fire and often are
the most severely damaged item. This leads to the TV being cited as the ‘source’ in the absence
of careful forensic investigation. Manufacturers gave examples of this, including one incident
where the TV was blamed, however, when the severely damaged case and imploded tube were
carefully cut away and the circuit boards and other electrical components were fitted to a new
case and tube, the set worked perfectly.
TV sets produced to the IEC regulations do not start fires
The BREMA members are adamant that TV sets made to IEC 605/60065 (discussed below) do not
start fires. Investigations by TV manufacturers show that TV fires started internally are rare – around
99% of their investigations show that there has been an external cause.
Some BREMA members and other parties provided details of TV fault investigations to be used
anonymously:
• All bar one of the incidents I have seen were caused from without, by water, drink, candles,
nightlights, oil etc. Many investigations are carried out by people with no expertise in the
field. One fire was being blamed on the TV as it was so badly damaged. I suggested the VCR
underneath was responsible. The investigators said "no, it can't be, the metal case is undamaged".
When they removed the metal case, the insides were burnt out.
• We have had only 3 incidents since 1992 where a TV has been involved in a fire. In none of
the cases was it concluded that the TV was, in fact, the cause of the fire. (The 3 investigation
reports were given to BSG.) In one, there was obvious evidence of an external source, thought
to be an ashtray. The other two had similar causes. In both, there was a large circular hole,
approximately 12 cm in diameter, in the top cabinet. The missing plastic material from the
melted cabinet had not dropped into the set. The tube had cracked, but when connected to
a working model, the set chassis worked normally. It was concluded that a heat source, possibly
a hot pan, had been applied to the exterior of the set and it appears that the plastic material
had adhered to it when it was removed.
There are 5 other instances where TVs are recorded as having caught fire, but in these cases
the fire was confined within the TV (as required by the safety standard) and only a repair
was required.
• Any incident involving one of our TVs in a fire must automatically be advised to the MD, it
is taken very seriously. None of the 3 incidents (Europe-wide) was due to an internal fault.
(Again the investigation files were shown to BSG.) The faults are due to products with a high
surface temperature e.g. nightlight, being put on top of the TV. We even investigated whether
we could put a metal plate under the top of the TV case to prevent any ingress. Space and
cost problems affected manufacturing costs too much and the metal plate acted as an aerial.
• There have been two cases over 10 years: one was due to a candle being used on top of the
TV during a power cut; in the other, there was insufficient evidence to allocate blame after
forensic analysis – the householder was uninsured and so sued the manufacturer.
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• A major national retailer reported that "We don’t get many problems and a high proportion
are down to external factors. We usually get called in when the insurers are battling it out as to
who will pay and so that's usually at a later stage. We need to see the set in situ to properly
assess the cause."
"We investigated a fire in one of our own brand TVs". The investigation report provided,
suggests that it is likely that the fire was started as a result of a fault in the soldered joint
between the leg of a capacitor and the PCB, allowing arcing to occur. The PCB would not
ignite due to its self-extinguishing properties. The probability is that a nearby PCB support
guide, which runs down the side of the PCB was the item first ignited and from there the fire
would have spread up the rear right side of the TV back cover. "This was the only fault in
42,000 sales of this model. It was not a serious fire, (only the back corner of the case was
affected by fire and the fire did not spread beyond the appliance) and the TV would have
had to be 'on' at the time, it would not have happened in standby. Turning off the TV would
have extinguished the fire if it had not gone too far. The manufacturers had experienced a
total of 6 incidents and a recall was instigated."
The FDR1 for this incident referred to an "apparent fault/defect within the appliance" and the
material first ignited as "quantity of electrical wire insulation – pvc". The item first ignited was
entered as being 100% destroyed, which was not correct based on the photographs of the set.
"Its not just TVs which get blamed unfairly, we get more problems with microwaves and we've
recently had a fridge blamed for a fire. It turned out to have been a kettle boiling dry and setting
fire to a towel left against it – the towel fell onto the carpet, the carpet set alight and involved
the fridge – there was nothing left of the fridge and the fridge was blamed."
• Another national retailer had only recently had a TV returned burned by a very irate consumer
who was adamant that she had never used candles or nightlights and yet a nightlight container
was found inside the TV.
• A major TV rental company stores all TVs that have burnt out in case there should be any
insurance claim. They inspect for foreign bodies in the sets, though their records do not
record whether the TV was at fault or not, recording only 'fire damaged sets'. It is, however,
mainly older sets in which fires occurred.
Faults that could have affected the incidence of TV fires
BREMA members considered the chart showing the incidence of TV fires by year of purchase
and the following comments were offered:
• Purchases of TVs tend to be higher around key events such as the Olympics (1984, 1988,
1992, 1996, 2000) or World Cup (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998).
• There has been an increase in the number of second sets purchased.
• Fires need to be weighted against set population (BREMA provided TV population and
sales data).
• The hours watched is perceived to have increased.
• Recalls have a low uptake and will also show up in subsequent years as the fault affects
sets not modified. (The chart had already taken this into account.)
Page 78
BREMA members were also aware of faults that had caused internal fires. These, however, were
normally confined to the appliance:
• A solder migration problem affected two brands. The problem was addressed in 1991, so sets
manufactured prior to 1991 were at risk. The incidents tended to occur after 5 to 7 years and
should, therefore, have begun to decline by 1998.
• A component used by all manufactures – an overwind coil used in the line output
transformer (LOPT) – suffered intermittent connection. This was resolved in 1989 (to be
confirmed) and would have resulted in problems becoming apparent until the mid 1990s.
BREMA members pointed out that a component failure might be reported as a fire, even though
the component is fail-safe. If a component such as a capacitor fails, it causes localised heat buildup and is designed to peel back its cover to let out the hot gas formed within itself. The noise of
this may be described as a "pop" or "bang" and some smoke is also likely to be emitted. This could
be reported as a fire – but will not result in a fire.
Not all TV sets are produced by BREMA members.
It was estimated that around 40% of TVs sold in the UK were produced by non-BREMA members.
BREMA members argue that the review of the Low Voltage Directive should include tracking the
origin of products that were imported into the community. The lack of control in this area is said
to be "cause for considerable concern".
REGULATIONS AND OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING THE SAFETY OF TVS
Adverse publicity against halogenated flame-retardant and restrictions likely to be imposed
on their use by the EU WEEE directive, have resulted in manufacturers reducing the
flame-retardant content of TVs. The IEC 60065 standard relating to the manufacture of TV
sets has been amended to avoid the need for flame-retardant in the TV case by concentrating
on making the TVs safer from internal ignition and choosing to ignore external sources. IEC
60065 changes have yet to impact on TV production. The situation in Europe differs from
the USA, where high levels of flame retardancy have been voluntarily incorporated into TV
cases and is held to have significantly reduced the incidence of TV fires in the USA.
Discussions were held with BREMA, EBFRIP (European Brominated flame-retardants Industry
Panel), ACFSE (Alliance for Consumer Fire Safety in Europe), DETR (Department of the Environment,
Transport & the Regions).
EBFRIP acts as the main spokesperson for the bromine flame-retardants industry within Europe
on key issues such as fire safety, eco-labels, electronic waste and risk assessments. Its members
are the major manufacturers of brominated flame-retardants in the European market –
Albemarle, Eurobrom – part of Dead Sea Bromine Group, Elf-Atochem, Fero Corp. and Great Lakes
Chem. Corp. Associate members include a number of major polymer producers. EBFRIP is
supported by the industry’s global and American organisations BSEF (Bromine Science &
Environment Panel) and BFRIP (Brominated flame-retardants Industry Panel). EBFRIPs public
relations are handled through BSEF (Bromine Science and Environment Forum)
Page 79
The ACFSE is an association with members throughout Europe whose aims are to promote
consumer awareness of the fire hazards posed by domestic appliances and is lobbying for
higher standards.
Adverse publicity regarding Brominated flame-retardants
Some years ago in Germany there was considerable adverse publicity regarding the environmental
hazards of using brominated flame-retardants in television cabinets. Stern magazine is said to
have exaggerated the risk of furans being released from TV materials as a result of the heat
generated by the operation of the TV.
Brominated dioxins and furans are chemical compounds formed during the burning of materials,
which have been treated with certain flame-retardants. Such flame-retardants are used to
enable printed circuit boards (pcbs) and certain thermoplastic housing materials to meet
flammability requirements.
A German consumer association magazine, Stiftung Warentest, began to include a rating against
the inclusion of flame-retardant, when conducting tests on televisions, indicating a depreciation
if the housings and backplates contained brominated flame-retardant. BSEF (Bromine Science &
Environment Forum) provided the issue for November 1999, annotated to indicate that in the 12
sets tested, no brominated flame-retardant was found. EBFRIP have monitored these reports and
their presentation shows that during 1993 and 1994, these ratings indicated that 60 – 70% of TV
sets tested contained 'halogens' but that by 1997 this had fallen to below 10% of TVs tested.
There appears to be no balance to the depreciation of flame retardancy with any positive rating
of fire safety. It is understandable, therefore, that TV manufacturers would respond by reducing
the flame-retardant content in TVs for the German market in order to improve their rating. The
alternative is to say that our TVs are no longer safe and risk creating consumer concern and
worsening their brand situation.
EACEM advice to TV manufacturers
The situation escalated into general concern throughout Europe that flame-retardants were
unnecessary chemical additives and consequently EACEM (European Association of Consumer
Electronics Manufacturers), in preparing advice on chemicals and environmental concerns,
included bromides as hazardous substances. This prompted a reaction from the plastic and
bromide industry, accusing the manufacturers of exaggerating the risk from flame-retardant,
and EACEM modified its position somewhat.
WEEE Directive
In the meantime, EU Commission activity in preparing directives on environmental matters and,
in particular, the end-of-life – ‘WEEE’ directive (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
raised further concerns with regard to the use of bromides. TV components containing halogenated
flame-retardants have to be removed from any waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Page 80
This is intended to promote the reuse and recycling of such material. TV manufacturers claim
that the use of brominated flame-retardant makes plastic particularly difficult to recycle. The
flow characteristics of the ‘doped’ plastic make it virtually impossible to reform into commercial
products. The only outlet for recycling appears to be road cones or other ‘non-display’ items.
EBFRIP, on the other hand, offers documented evidence that recycled brominated material is
used successfully in a number of areas, citing the Photocopier market, in particular, and Ricoh
and Fuji Xerox as examples.
The alternative to recycling is high temperature incineration at 11000C – the material is an effective,
though not economic, heat source.
Revision to IEC 60065
The manufacture of TV sets has been governed by the international standard IEC 60065 since
1979. Work to revise and rewrite IEC 60065 has taken 10 years to complete and the committee
published its work in July 1998 as IEC 60065:1998. BREMA was represented on that committee.
Awareness of the environmental concerns about halogenated flame-retardants and the problems
of recycling, appear to have resulted in the IEC committee changing the requirements of IEC 60065
to allow less dependency on fire retardancy through strengthening of requirements to prevent
ignition within the product. The rewrite includes the use of spacing or barriers to protect the
cabinet from potential ignition sources within the TV. This obviated the need for flame-retardant
in the TV cabinet. A figure of 15va was agreed as the power above which protection measures
are required.
Under the new regulations, internal parts must be flame-retardant to V-0 standard. The old IEC
60065 standard did not have as clear a requirement for flame retardancy of internal parts as
does the new.
The IEC TC92 committee, which writes IEC 60065, decided at a meeting in Oslo in November 1997
that the revised IEC 60065 clause 20 should be written to protect TVs against fires from within and
not from external sources. Clause 20 is one part of IEC 60065; other clauses deal with mechanical
stability and shock protection.
The outcome is that a European TV will no longer need to have flame-retardant incorporated
into the back cover.
Have these changes to IEC 60065 caused any increase in TV fires?
Under IEC 60065, prior to the 1998 change, the TV case had not been required to be flame-retardant
– only the back panel was required to be flame-retardant. The IEC 60065 was in operation with
this requirement from 1976 to 1998.
The requirement for the back panel to be flame-retardant resulted from the problems of 1950s
TV sets, which suffered from high temperatures due to the old valve sets. One particular valve,
which ran at the highest temperature, was always positioned near to the back plate to allow heat
to dissipate through the air vents. The back cover at this time was of treated cardboard and was
susceptible to fire. When this was replaced by plastic back casing, this was also required to be
flame-retardant, originally under BS 415.
Page 81
The introduction of colour sets in the 1960s caused power consumption to increase significantly
and a colour TV might draw 350 watts. Power consumption began to fall in 1967 as transistors
began to be used, but only fell significantly when valves ceased to be used in around 1970. TVs
took a long time to get away from valves because of the need for high voltages and high power
needed to drive the output valves. The valves had to be kept hot to function correctly, so most
of the power was released to air as heat from valves and dropper resistors. This heat output
represented a considerable risk of fire in TV sets manufactured up to around 1970, which would
have still been in use in the early 1980s and are therefore likely to have been responsible for the
high rate of TV fires seen in the early 1980s.
In modern TV sets, the relative sizes of the TV case and the backplate can vary considerably
with the design of the TV. In some designs, the front part is the larger part, in others the back
panel is the larger. However, if any external heat source such as a candle or nightlight is to be
stood on the TV, then this would, typically, be stood on the TV front case and not on the backplate.
As a result, the manufacturers do not expect the change under IEC 60065 to have any significant
effect on the fire statistics.
Has the change to IEC 60065 had any effect on the fire statistics to date?
The changes to IEC 60065 will not come into full effect for some time yet and BREMA believe that
only one model has been produced to the IEC 60065 standard to date. However, BSG could find
no reference to any approval being issued under the new regulations.
The change to the flame-retardant requirements, under IEC 60065, for the back plate cannot
therefore have had any effect on the fire statistics seen in the UK over recent years. Any new
models manufactured to IEC 60065 will, even then, not impinge on the fire statistics fully for
an average of 5 years of product life (based on the LFCDA age profile).
Does the situation in the USA differ from that in Europe?
The USA UL (Underwriters Laboratory) has continued to require UL 94 V-0 level flame retardancy
on the cases of TVs sold in the US market to date under UL 1410. V-0 is a vertical flame retardancy
test standard. This is a significantly higher requirement than the Horizontal Burning (UL 94 HB)
test standard required under the old IEC 60065 for the backplates of European TVs. A V-0 rating
generally means that the plastic may char but it won't ignite or spread fire. HB rating means that
the plastic ignites and spreads below a certain rate, giving occupants time to respond to the fire
and escape. UL have now published an expanded version of IEC 60065 and propose to move to
the international standard.
There is, however, opposition from the US Fire Marshals, who are lobbying for a global standard
at the US level.
Japanese standards are reported to be equivalent to the US requirement.
Page 82
What level of flame retardancy was used or was required in Europe?
Under IEC 60065, the flame retardancy of the plastic used for TV backplates was required to
be at least to the HB test standard.
EBFRIP state that the TV manufacturers decided in the early 1990s to no longer apply the higher
V-0 fire safety level for housings and backplates, which had been used on a voluntary basis,
but to switch to the lower HB rating specified in IEC 60065.
Some manufacturers still choose to use V-0 material for the backplates of their TVs as a matter
of policy, others use the lower HB standard.
Do the requirements for computer monitors differ from those of TV sets?
Computer monitors are manufactured to a different standard as they are deemed to be business
machines rather than domestic and the applicable standard is IEC 60950. Computer monitors have,
therefore, been manufactured with a higher level of flame retardancy than is required for TV cases,
which are deemed to be domestic appliances.
In the USA, the manufacture of PC monitors is covered by the UL 1950 standard (similar to IEC
60950), which gives choices as to the level of flame retardancy a manufacturer may use.
The US Fire Marshals have drawn attention to the trend for some computer companies to stop the
longstanding practice of using fire-resistant plastics in the outer housings of computer monitors
by issuing an open letter to all interested parties (www.firemarshals.org/openletter.html).
In Europe, BREMA believe that the ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association) intends
to move to a common standard with the IEC 60065 for TVs and a joint IEC 60065 and IEC 60950
committee is being formed.
An open letter from the US Fire Marshals refers to tests conducted by the SP Swedish National
Research and Testing Institute on TV monitors. In these tests SP are said to have found that 3 of
the 5 tested were made with fire resistant housings, but 2 of the 5 were made with the HB-rated
plastic and could be ignited with a low energy source.
COMPARISON OF TV FIRE TRENDS IN OTHER COUNTRIES
Sweden has done extensive investigation into TV fires and reports a 100% increase 1990 to
1995 in TV fires due to internal ignition. The Netherlands and Norway have reported that TV
fires appear to have peaked in 1995 and have then declined. A Danish report stresses the
need to treat TVs as an electrical appliance and not an item of furniture on which candles
etc. are placed risking external sources of TV fires. TV fire data from the USA suggest that
TV fires are 30% less likely relative to TV set population than in the UK. The rate of death from
TV fires is broadly similar between the US and UK, but the rate of injury is much higher in
the UK, where the Home Office injury figures may be significantly overstated.
Page 83
Netherlands
Dutch fire brigades noticed an increase in the number of TV fires in the first half of 1992. In most
cases the sets were on stand-by and a promotional campaign was started to promote switching
off the TV rather than using stand-by. An in-depth research project was undertaken by KEMA
into TV fires. This concluded that TV sets are safe in stand-by mode, that the TV sets were safe
in normal use and that the risk of fire is not larger than any other electrical appliance.
However, the data from the Netherlands Statistics Institute (CBS) showed TVs to be the second
largest cause of fire in electrical appliances with 185 incidents in 1995 caused by misuse or
malfunctioning appliances (after washer/dryers with 335 incidents). The fire brigades continued
to warn against the use of stand-by.
Netherlands – Interior Fires (dwellings & others e.g. prisons & hospitals)
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
13,180
13,364
15,257
15,041
14,368
Television
152
201
181
162
161
% TV
1.2%
1.5%
1.2%
1.1%
1.1%
Total interior fires
Source: CBS Netherlands
CBS statistics show that TV fires account for 1.1% of all interior fires (not just dwellings) and have
declined from a peak in 1995. Statistics prior to 1994 are not comparable.
Rene Hagen, Country Director of ACFSE – Netherlands, commented that since 1995, "The number
of fires stayed the same, although the cause of these fires was still a guess – it appears to be
stand-by, dust or external causes – the answer is unknown. However, the impression is that the
number of fires due to television sets is declining. This can be caused by safer television sets,
or by a change in behaviour because of all the attention in the media over the last few years."
The Netherlands has imposed a charge for the disposal of domestic TV sets in the garbage
collection. This appears to have resulted in fewer sets being disposed of and a corresponding
increase in the fire load within homes as old TVs are stored.
Sweden
The SP Swedish National Testing & Research Institute has been very active in research into TV
fires, with papers on the Fire Safety of TV Set Enclosure Material and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
of flame-retardants in TV Enclosures and further work is in progress.
In the first of these papers, M Simonson highlights the problem of the reporting of TV fires and
what is or is not included in the statistics. In particular, whether a fire which is contained within
the TV set casing should or should not be included. In the Sambrook report for the DTI (1996), the
definition was set to exclude such fires. However, such fires are included in the UK Home Office
published fire statistics. The Sambrook definition also tends to narrow statistics to fires of
electrical origin, while fire brigades and insurance companies tend to report higher figures that
include fires initiated externally. The Sambrook report adjusted the reported data to exclude fires
generated externally. This report has considered all types of TV fire.
Page 84
In Sweden, attempts were made to reconcile the difference between fire statistics produced by
different sources. This indicated that the Swedish insurance federation overestimated the number
of TV fires and the Swedish National Electrical Safety Board (SEMKO) had underestimated the total.
A study at Vällingby was used to re-estimate the data and it was concluded that approximately
750 audio-visual fires occur per year in Sweden. These were all large enough to have breached
the TV enclosure. A further 1750 were either contained within the enclosure or were caused by
external sources.
Expressed per million TVs in Sweden, the report indicates that:
• 100 TV fires/m TVs are due to internal ignition and breach the enclosure
• 160 TV fires/m TVs do not breach the enclosure
• 65 TV fire/m TVs in Sweden are due to external sources (20% of the total).
Using the adjusted data, the report shows an increasing trend in TV fires due to internal ignition
and which breach the enclosure, from around 50/m in 1990 to 100/m in 1995, an increase of 101%.
Norway
Norway – Fires that Started in TVs
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
Electrical causes
29
27
37
43
37
29
Misuse
2
-
3
-
-
2
Other
1
1
3
3
1
1
Unknown
7
3
7
3
1
5
Total TV Fires
39
31
50
49
39
37
Source: Directorate of Fires & Explosions
TV fires in Norway peaked in 1995/96 and have fallen back 20% in 1997/98. Most fires are put
down to electrical causes. Within the electrical causes, the two thirds are coded to 'Other' and
most of the balance to 'Serial electric arc'.
Denmark
The Market Surveillance Board of the Danish Electrical Equipment Control Office published a
report on 'Television Fires' dated 1995.
The report concludes that:
•
"It has not been found that the use of TV sets presents any particular risk of fire.
•
TV sets burn fiercely if they do catch fire.
•
It is possible, however, for consumers and the TV trade to reduce the risk of TV fires by using
TV sets with care. A TV set is an electrical appliance and must be treated as such – not as an
item of furniture. Do not stand candles or flowers on the set and do not cover it with a cloth."
Page 85
During the project, 12 alleged TV fires were investigated: in 3 cases there was some degree of
probability that the TV set started the fire; in 5 cases there was nothing to indicate that it was
the set which started the fire; and in 4 cases it was not possible to indicate any cause of fire with
acceptable certainty. A number of alleged TV fires were investigated at Christmas time and it was
presumed with a very great degree of certainty that candles were the real cause. The report
highlighted that nightlights left burning, overturned candles and Christmas decorations (which in
Norway typically consists of small dried plants grouped around a large central candle) can easily
set fire to a TV set.
It was established that TV sets, once they catch fire, burn quite fiercely, which makes a considerable
contribution to the total damage caused by the fire. "The requirements for the fire qualities of the
rear cover are considered to be not sufficiently stringent. It is also a deficiency of the standard that
there are no requirements for the fire qualities of the other components of the outer casing."
Finland
A study of electrical appliance fires has been undertaken by the Safety Technology Authority
TUKES (Nurmi V-P, December 1999). Unfortunately no English translation is available. TVs were
included in the investigations, but were not mentioned in the abstract. Discussion with Mr Nurmi
indicated that the balance of internal and external source of TV fire were examined, but that the
information was not yet precise enough to be included in the report, with further work being
undertaken. Initial results appear to show around 40% external sources for TV fires, but
Mr Nurmi believes that external sources may be even higher and that internal sources are not
common without the users involvement.
United States of America
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) publish data on residential fires based on
the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).
Page 86
Estimated US Residential Structure Fires, 1992 – 1996
Category
1990
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
Total residential
467,000
472,000
470,000
451,000
425,500
428,000
Electrical appliances
20,800
21,300
22,400
22,700
20,000
19,200
Television
1,400
1,400
1,300
1,300
1,000
1,000
4,120
3,765
3,825
3,465
3,695
4,080
Electrical appliances
80
80
90
60
110
110
Television
20
20
20
10
20
10
20,650
21,600
22,600
20,025
19,125
19,300
Electrical appliances
740
760
870
780
560
670
Television
70
120
100
80
50
80
Fire incidents
Fire deaths
Total residential
Fire injuries
Total residential
Source: US CPSC
The US statistics show a decline in TV fire incidents over the period 1992 to 1996 of around 30%.
The fire death rate is relatively low and appears to have been rounded in weighting at either 10 or
20 per year. Injuries are showing an increase from 1990 to 1992 and then a return to the 1990 level.
The US CPSC statistics quote the value of property loss associated with the 1996 incidents:
US – Estimates of Property Loss ($ million), 1996
Category
$ million 1996
Average per incident
Total residential
4962.0
$11,600
Electrical appliances
181.9
$9,500
TV fires
18.8
$18,800
Source: US CPSC
The statistics show that the average property loss from a TV fire, at $18.8k, is greater than for
electrical appliances as a whole and for residential fires overall. The US TV fires appear, therefore,
to be serious and to involve significant damage to material other than the TV. This appears to
contradict the experimental evidence of the fire behaviour of the V-0 material used for US TVs
which, in theory, should mean that any fires would be relatively minor, with little damage to
materials beyond the TV.
Page 87
The US CPSC also investigated candle-related incidents (Hazard report on candle-related incidents,
Harpreet Singh, March, 1998). The summary shows that candles were involved in an estimated
6,800 fires annually (1985-1995), that resulted in 90 deaths and 680 injuries on average per annum.
The breakdown by ignition factor shows that 59% were due to the candles being abandoned or
left unattended, 18% due to combustibles being too close and a further 9% to child play.
However, the report does not indicate any involvement of TVs in the incidents.
How do the US TV fire statistics compare to those for the UK?
Taking the average for the five years 1992 to 1996 of US TV incidents deaths and injuries, and
comparing these against the published UK data, gives the following comparison:
Comparison of US & UK TV Fire Statistics, 1992 – 1996
Item
Fire Incident
Fire Death
Fire Injury
US average per year
1,200
16.0
86
UK average per year
530
3.4
147
US ratio of death/injury per k fires
13
72
UK ratio of death/injury per k fires
16
277
US ratio per m TV set numbers
5
0.07
0.4
UK ratio per m TV set numbers
14
0.09
3.9
Source: BSG from US CPSC & UK Home Office Fire Statistics
The ratio of death per TV fire incident is very similar for both US and UK, however, the risk of
injury in the UK is four times greater than in the US.
In comparison to the estimates of set population (based on a figure of 227.3 million in 1999 –
source Philips), the ratio of death per million sets is very similar between the two countries,
but the risk of injury is significantly higher, though the UK figure may be overstated.
Overall the risk of TV fire incident per million sets is 280% greater in the UK than in the US.
The main factor likely to have impacted on this comparison is the material used for the TV
casing in the US. It is reported that V-0 material is used for the majority of TV cases in the US,
whereas in the UK, the V-0 material is only used voluntarily by some brands. Other TVs in the
UK use HB material, which is much more easily ignited and therefore more susceptible to being
involved in fire incidents, whether internally or externally generated. In addition, only the back
cover of the TV case has been required to be of flame-retardant material.
Page 88
A paper was prepared for the Brominated flame-retardant Industry Panel in April 1997 "The Life
Safety Benefits of Brominated flame-retardants in the US". This estimated that the total number of
lives saved annually by the use of Brominated flame-retardants in TV cabinets is 190. This paper
shows that the US TV industry, in co-operation with the Underwriters Laboratories, produced an
effective voluntary standard following the US CPSC moves in 1973 to set a mandatory standard.
As a result the rate of residential TV fires dropped by 73% from 4,500 in 1983 to 1,200 in 1991 –
almost twice the rate of decrease for fires in general. CPSC estimated that the number of deaths
associated with TV fires fell by up to 90% from the early 90s to date, but the report states that no
hard statistics are available. The figure of 190 lives saved annually is based on the upper limit of
estimated deaths for 1976 and 1992. At the lower limit the number of lives saved annually is 19.
The report quotes the most likely saving as 87, based on an estimate for 1992 of 9 deaths. The
estimate now published by CPSC is 20 deaths in 1992.
Not all the reduction in lives lost will be attributable to the introduction of flame-retardant
material. As has been discussed for the UK, a considerable reduction in incidents and consequent
deaths could also be attributed to improvements in the electrical safety of the TV sets.
Another factor, which could have had an affect on the rate of fire incidents, is the different ways
in which the TV is presented in the US and the UK. In the US, TVs tend to be housed in cabinets
or shelving units, rather than being free standing. No statistics could be found to give a percentage
split, but in a small sample of people amongst whom this was explored by BSG, all of their TVs
and the TVs of the people they know were housed in some form of enclosure. In the UK, the
perception is that a relatively low proportion of TVs are housed in cabinets or wall shelving
units and the large majority are free standing. The result is that UK TVs are very significantly
more likely to be subject to external fire sources. If a TV is free standing, then it is open to the
use of candles and nightlights being placed on the top of the TV. If the TV is enclosed, then it is
unlikely that any potential fire source would, or could, be placed on the TV.
Discussion with the TV manufacturers appeared to indicate that the shape of the UK TV cases is
very much more contoured than their US equivalent, which appear to be more box-like "because
they are usually hidden in cabinets".
Non-portable TV sets in the UK are supplied with nice stands, or boxes with glass doors, on which
to display the TV as a free-standing item.
Page 89
OTHER FACTORS INVOLVED IN TV FIRES
TV fires peak in December/January and in the evenings. Terraced houses represent the
largest type of property involved, ahead of semi-detached and flats. TV fires occur mainly
in the living room, with the bedroom also involved.
Which are the key months for TV fires?
Month of TV fire incidents, 1994 – 1998
Month
1994
1995*
1996
1997
1998
Total
%
January
31
21
30
18
28
128
11%
February
13
13
8
12
21
67
6%
March
23
10
23
22
23
101
9%
April
9
10
19
21
14
73
7%
May
8
10
11
13
20
62
5%
June
8
9
18
21
20
76
7%
July
10
16
16
17
27
86
8%
August
11
32
12
21
17
93
8%
September
10
31
14
14
23
92
8%
October
14
20
23
24
13
94
8%
November
15
28
19
21
17
100
9%
December
12
46
39
31
31
159
14%
164
246
232
235
254
1131
100%
Total
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* 1995 data corrected for Q1 & Q2 sampling
TV fires occur most frequently in December (11%) and January (14%), but are spread across the
year, May (5%) and February (6%) are the lowest.
Page 90
What time of day is key for TV fires?
Time of Day of TV fire incidents, 1994 – 1998
Time of day
1994
1995*
1996
1997
1998
Total
%
6 am to 12 noon
33
49
58
39
40
219
19%
12 noon to 6 pm
34
59
55
52
72
272
24%
6 pm to 12 midnight
59
89
68
85
91
392
35%
12 midnight to 6 am
38
49
51
59
51
248
22%
Total
164
246
232
235
254
1131
100%
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* 1995 data corrected for Q1 & Q2 sampling
Most TV fires occur in the evening (35%), followed by afternoon (24%), night (22%) and with morning
not far behind at 19%. Evening is peak viewing.
The result for fires at night is higher than might be expected if viewing is a factor. However, the
use of stand-by mode or TVs left 'on' while the occupiers fall asleep could be responsible. The
influence of alcohol could also be a contributing factor. This is also likely to be the time when
candles or nightlights left on or near the TV might have reached the critical stage.
TV manufacturers have no evidence that the use of stand-by mode in TVs of recent manufacture
causes TV fires. The power consumption of TVs in stand-by mode is now very low, typically around
1 watt. Stand-by uses just enough power to keep the remote control receiver able to respond to
a switch-on signal from the remote control.
However, using stand-by over an extended period is likely to mean that the mechanical mains
switch is not used. Not using a mechanical mains switch means that the mains switch contacts
do not get cleaned by the movement of the switch. Over an extended period, this could result in
a build-up on the contacts, which may exacerbate any potential problems with the mains switch.
What type of property is involved in TV fires?
Type of property involved in TV fire incidents, 1994 – 1998
Type of property
1994
1995*
1996
1997
1998
Total
%
Detached house
22
33
36
27
47
165
15%
Semi-detached
40
48
50
47
45
230
20%
Terrace house
39
61
54
63
76
293
26%
Flat – purpose built
16
34
34
35
40
159
14%
Flat – conversion
2
13
14
15
10
54
5%
Not specified
45
57
44
48
36
230
20%
Total
164
246
232
235
254
1131
100%
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* 1995 data corrected for Q1 & Q2 sampling
Page 91
26% of TV fires occur in terrace houses, 20% in semi-detached, 15% in detached and 19% in flats,
with purpose built accounting for three-quarters of the incidents in flats. 20% were unspecified.
Relative risk by type of property, 1994 – 1998
Type of property
Av split of TV
fire incidents
94-98
Split
(excl. ‘not
specified’)
National split Relative risk
by type
by type
of property of property
Detached house/bungalow
15%
18%
23%
0.8
Semi-detached house/bgl
20%
26%
33%
0.8
Terraced house
26%
32%
26%
1.2
Flat – purpose built
14%
18%
15%
1.2
Flat – conversion
5%
6%
4%
1.5
Not specified
20%
-
-
-
Total
100%
100%
101%
1.0
Source: DETR General Household Survey 1998
When the split of TV fires is compared to the national housing stock, the relative risk of a TV fire
is around 50% greater in terraced properties or flats than in detached or semi-detached properties.
Which room is most involved in TV fires?
Room of origin of TV fire incidents, 1994 – 1998
Type of property
1994
1995*
1996
1997
1998
Total
%
Living room
102
179
166
170
180
797
71%
Bedroom
48
49
44
53
55
249
22%
Bedsit
7
6
7
4
4
28
3%
Kitchen
4
6
8
5
12
35
3%
Dining room
1
4
2
2
2
11
1%
162
244
227
234
253
1120
100%
Total
Source: Home Office Fire Statistics Database
* 1995 data corrected for Q1 & Q2 sampling
71% of incidents occur in the living room and 22% in the bedroom, where second sets are increasingly
popular in bedrooms or children's rooms.
Page 92
Appendix
Flammability of Televisions –
FRS Fire Tests
BACKGROUND
It has become very clear from the early part of the study1 that there is a paucity of accurate data
as to the cause of fires in televisions. From the Home Office database there would appear to be
in excess of 85 per cent of fires in televisions resulting from problems with ‘insulation’ ie internal
causes. When individual brigades were approached for further information as to causes it was
soon apparent from careful investigation of individual incidents that external sources of ignition
were a major contributor. London, Strathclyde, West Midlands etc have all supplied case studies
where candles and nightlights as well as other items burning in the fire room can all involve
television sets. From small samples the ratio of internal to external ignition sources is broadly
50:50. However it was also clear that the progress of fire around a room such as a bedroom or
living room could be misinterpreted post hoc.
The manufacturers as represented by BREMA ( British Radio and Electronic Appliance Manufacturers’
Association) also expressed concern about the way fires in their products are reported. They, too,
identified the progress of a fire in a room masking the actual involvement of the television. For
example the route from a chair to a television could include curtains and other items present
but it would be difficult to be confident as to exactly which item was ignited first.
In Sweden, Margaret Simonson has been making Life Cycle Assessments of the household
appliances such as televisions at the National Testing and Research Institute in Boras2. She has
been examining the effects of fire on televisions and has carried out large-scale experimental
work in room sets. Her work is quantitative and provides data on the fire behaviour of televisions.
She has also collected brigade data from Stockholm and believes that the ratio of internal fires
to external sources of fire is about 60:40.
Page 93
INTRODUCTION
In order to examine the premise that it is easy to confuse the stage at which a television can be
said to be involved in a fire and to assess the behaviour of modern television sets a three phase
programme of indicative fire tests has been carried out:
• Phase 1 – partial room burns where the UK-purchased television is ignited as the result
of a chair burning or directly by a nightlight;
• Phase 2 – ignition of television sets purchased in the UK and the USA using internal and
external ignition sources. Measurements taken of heat release, CO and smoke production.
• Phase 3 – effect of ventilation on running temperature of a UK-purchased television
associated with a VCR and a set-top box.
PHASE 1 FIRE TESTS
Two British 25 inch televisions were purchased from the manufacturers together with furnishings
from IKEA and assembled into duplicate partial room sets in the living room of the three-bedroomed
house at the BRE Cardington hangar. The experimental team was assisted and advised by Station
Officer Dave Townsend of the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority who is a full-time fire
investigator. This resulted in as realistic a scenario as possible that reflected the investigator’s
experience, see Plate1. The scenario represents a Sunday evening where the newspapers have
been discarded on the television table and an armchair close by. An assortment of candles and
nightlights are arranged on the table and television. In both fire tests the initial ignition source
was a nightlight; in the first the newspapers were the item first ignited in the second it was the
television. This was achieved by duplicating the arrangement of furniture and moving the
nightlight 15mm away from the chair in the second test. A domestic smoke alarm was placed in
the hall and the time to sounding noted.
Furniture fires have been widely studied in the house and the need for ventilation recognised so
the small window was open throughout to promote the early stages of the fire. The large windows
can be opened from the outside in this experimental facility in order to mimic breaking of the glass
in a real house fire. The glazing is Georgian-wired and so will not break during an experimental
fire but cracked in both of these test fires. The assumption was made that once the smoke level had
come down below the window sill it was appropriate to open the larger windows from the outside.
Test 1.1 was set up to explore the spread of fire from a burning armchair to a television. The smoke
alarm sounded at 2 min after ignition. The nightlight was lit with a match and then the match left
in to act as an extra wick. The test was allowed to run until the television tube imploded 12 minutes
after ignition. The results were recorded on video and stills.
Page 94
Table 1 Results of Test 1.1
Plate number
Time after ignition
Comment
1
General arrangement of furniture
2
Position of nightlight ignition source
2min
3
Smoke alarm sounds
View through window, curtain igniting
12 min
Tube imploded
4
After extinguishment
5
Examining debris
As can be seen in the photographs the fire progressed rapidly and involved all the items in the
room. The chair showed signs of most burning on the television side; the television was burned
most on the chair side. All the nightlights cups which had dropped inside the set were clean and
easily moved indicating they had not been burning within the set. If the fire had been started by
a nightlight falling into the set having softened the HIS (high impact polystyrene) case the remains
would have been smoke blackened and would probably have shown signs of adhesion to the
plastic elements inside the case.
Plate 1 General arrangement of furniture
Page 95
Plate 2 Note position of ignition source – the nightlight
Plate 3 The curtains igniting
Plate 4 Aftermath of the fire
Page 96
Plate 5 Examining the debris
Test 1.2 was set up to explore the effects of when the first major item to be involved in the fire
was the television. This was achieved by duplicating the arrangements of furniture and newspapers
and then moving the nightlight 150mm so that it was immediately adjacent to the television.
After ignition it was clear that nothing was happening so three minutes afterwards the candle
was moved into direct contact with the television and a second match introduced to act as a
secondary wick and provide a larger flame. The television started to burn 18 minutes later.
The smoke alarm did not sound until 12 minutes later ie a full half hour after the larger ignition
source was placed by the set. The tube imploded 2min after that; this was 35 and a half minutes
after the initial ignition.
Table 2 Results of Test 1.2
Plate number
Time after ignition
Comments
6
4min
Moving nightlight closer to TV
21 min
Television starts to burn
32min
Curtain flaming
33 min
Smoke alarm sounded
35min 25s
Tube imploded
38min
Extinguishing fire
7
8
9
Remains of chair
Page 97
Plate 6 Moving nightlight into position close to the case of the television
Plate 7 Curtains igniting, note black smoke
Plate 7 Extinguishing the fire
Page 98
Plate 8 remains of the chair
PHASE 2 COMPARISON OF EASE OF IGNITABILITY OF BRITISH AND AMERICAN
TV SETS UNDER CALORIMETER
This part of the study was used to establish whether the same ignition source ie the nightlight
with two matches, see Plate 10, could ignite both American and British television sets externally
and internally. It was expected that the presence of the brominated flame-retardant in the American
sets would make ignition difficult with such a small source and the advice from Margaret Simonson
[ref] was that the 30kW CBUF burner was needed to achieve sustained ignition and burning.
Plate 10 Detail of the nightlight, shown burning with double match wick
Five tests were carried out under the 3m calorimeter in the Burn Hall at Garston. In each case the
television was placed on a piece of non-combustible board on the floor of the laboratory.
Nightlights were used in the first four tests either externally immediately next to the side of the
case or inside the case on the base plate. The results are presented in detail in the Annex.
Page 99
1. Test 2.1 attempted external ignition of one of the American sets. These had been purchased
the week before in New York and couriered over to FRS in time for the tests.
Table 3 Results of Test 2.1 attempted external ignition of one of the American sets
Plate number
11
Time after ignition
Comments
10min 42s
Tilted matches to increase flame size
11min 50s
Nightlight pushed closer to set
12min 47s
Case ignited
13min 30s
Small volume of smoke seen
14min
Self-extinguished
14min 19s
Re-ignition
14min 39s
Glow inside grille
15min 16s
Self-extinguished
12
Hole in side of set
17min
Re-ignition
23min
Test terminated
There was no sustained burning from the nightlight. Despite igniting, the plastic self-extinguished
leaving a small hole about the height of the flame; there was no sign of any spread of fire beyond
flame impingement.
Although the televisions are the same specification the design of the case is different to the UK
sets in that there is no shaping of the case, ie it occupies a much larger volume which may prevent
the involvement of the case from an internal source.
Plate 11 External ignition of American television, note smoke
Page 100
Plate 12 Note small hole in set casing
2. Test 2.2 attempted internal ignition in the other American set.
Table 4 Results of Test 2.2 attempted internal ignition of one of the American sets
Plate number
Time after ignition
Comments
Ignition
Ignited with taper and back closed
13
Position of nightlight
14
Small glow visible inside
20min
Aborted as no change
21min 20s
Added third match
31min 20 s
Softening at rear of case, styrene smell
38min 50s
Terminated test
The only effect recorded was a slight softening and distortion of the surface of the case close to
the nightlight.
Plate 13 Position of nightlight
Page 101
Plate 14 Small glow visible inside
3. Test 2.3 attempted to ignite a UK-purchased television externally with a two match wicked
nightlight as before. The fire was allowed to continue until there was negligible heat release
being recorded.
Table 5 Results of Test 2.3 attempted external ignition of one of the British sets
Plate number
Time after ignition
15
16
17
Comments
Nightlight in place
1min
Case melting
1min 15s
Ignition of case
1min 45s
Case burning internally
2min 10s
Black smoke
3min
Black smoke, pool fire, flames up side
3min 45s
Ditto plus smoke out of front LHS
4min 35s
Pool fire and black smoke
5min 20s
Spitting and banging
6min 20s
Flames through front of set
6min 30s
Tube implodes
7min-7min 35s
Front of set collapsing onto floor
(Peak Heat Release Recorded)
7min 45s
Front of set collapsed
8min 30s
Pool fire, screen on floor, very smelly
35min 10s
Still burning
40min
Test terminated
The Heat Release Rates, Co and smoke production are shown in Figure2. The Peak HRR was 248kW;
the total heat released was 113 MJ and 4494.4m3 of smoke was produced, see Annex.
Page 102
Plate 15 Nightlight in place
Plate 16 British television burning internally with black smoke
Plate 17 Front of set collapsed
Page 103
4. Test 2.4 attempted to ignite a UK-purchased television internally with a two match wicked
nightlight as before; this was to provide continuity of ignition source. Once ignited the fire was
allowed to continue until negligible heat release was recorded
Table 6 results of Test 2.4 attempted internal ignition of one of the British sets
Plate number
Time after ignition
18
19
20
21
Comments
Nightlight being put into place on LHS
Time zero*
Set closed
2min
No change
3 min
Heat haze
7min
Heat haze and case warm to the touch
10min
Plastic support for PCB ignites
14min
Flame seen above side grille
15min 10s
Smoke appearing
17min
Bottom of case burning
17min 25s
First bang
18min
More banging and crashing
19min
Side flaming
19min 20s
Flames out of case
20min 50s
Fire spread and beginning to pool
21min55s
View from rear as screen cracked
22min50s
Pool fire
24min 50s
Dripping from top corner, black smoke
27min 40s
Frame collapsed
44min
Steady burning within frame, lighter smoke
55min30s
Extinguished
* 1 min 08s after nightlight ignited
The Heat Release Rates, CO, CO2 and smoke production are shown in Figure 3. The Peak HRR was
231kW; the total heat released was 129 MJ and 4596.5m3 of smoke was produced, see Annex.
Page 104
Plate 18 Putting nightlight into position on the left hand side of the set
Plate 19 Burning after 14 min
Plate 20 Fire spread after 20 min
Page 105
Plate 21 Frame collapsed
5. Test 2.5 attempted external ignition of one of the American sets using a 30kW T-burner. This
followed advice from Simonson2 who had used the 30kW CBUF square burner (as used in the
European research on the Combustion Behaviour of Upholstered Furniture) to obtain sustained
ignition of her American-purchased television.
Table 7 results of Test 2.5 5 attempted external ignition of one of the American sets using
a 30kW T-burner.
Plate number
Time after ignition
Comments
22
Ignition
Burner left in place for 62s then removed
23
4min
Flaming
6min 15s
Self-extinguished
24
Re-ignited
Repositioned burner under rear of set
25
2min
Burning well established
3min 20s
Tube imploded
6min
View of burning from the other side
7min
Half the burner holes blocked by plastic
16min 45s
Frame has collapsed forwards
17min 15s
Still flaming
20min 40s
Gas flame burning green*
25min 40s
Greening still evident in gas flame
30min
T-burner removed
37min
Still burning at corner
40min
Extinguished
26
27
*Greening probably due to the presence of flame-retardants in the plastic case
Page 106
The T-burner was first positioned 25mm from the RHS of the set 150mm above the ground and
heat applied for 62s. The resulting fire self-extinguished just over 6min later. Re-ignition was
achieved and sustained by re-positioning the burner under the rear of the set and leaving it to
burn for 30min.
The Heat Release Rates, CO, CO2 and smoke production are shown in Figure 4. The Peak HRR
was 178kW; the total heat released was 105 MJ and 4220m3 of smoke was produced, see Annex.
Plate 22 Ignition with 30kW T-burner
Plate 23 Flaming after 4 min
Page 107
Plate 24 Re-ignition at rear of set note damage from first burn which
self-extinguished after 6 min
Plate 25 Burning well-established 2min after re-ignition
Plate 26 View of burning from the other side
Page 108
Plate 27 Note the greening of the gas flame
PHASE 3 EFFECTS OF VENTILATION ON THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF
A UK-PURCHASED TELEVISION
Manufacturers provide detailed guidance on installation of their product. The particular set
supplied included a stand and support for VCR and set-top box for cable or satellite connection
with clear instructions for assembly and use. However, it is all too apparent from magazines and
DIY television programmes that hiding a television from view in a cupboard is often a preferred
design option for people’s living space.
In order to establish the effect this option might have on the working temperature of a television,
thermocouples were placed inside and close to a set displayed as per manufacturer’s instructions
and left on stand by. After three days the set was removed from its stand and crammed into a
wooden cupboard on top of the VCR and set-top box. Again temperatures were recorded with
the set on stand by. Four days later the set was switched on and left running for 3 days.
Thermocouples were placed inside the rear of the set at low level and in the middle of the set
at high level. A third thermocouple was placed on the top of the case above the screen. When
inside the cupboard a fourth measurement was taken of the in-cupboard temperature at the
top above the top of the television. Plates 28-30 show the different layouts.
Page 109
Plate 28 UK-purchased television on stand with VCR and set top box below
Page 110
Table 3.1 Specimen temperature readings with TV on stand in the open, readings taken at
hourly intervals television on standby shown above and below ambient
Time of day
Ambient °C
T1 reading °C
T2 reading °C
T3 reading °C
10.50
20.7
2.4
1.2
3.6
11.50
21.3
-3.6
-2.5
1.2
12.50
20.7
1.2
-1.2
0.0
13.50
20.4
0.0
-1.2
1.2
14.50
20.7
4.8
-2.5
1.2
15.50
21.0
-3.7
1.2
0.0
16.50
21.2
1.2
0.0
2.4
17.50
21.2
2.4
3.6
10.9
18.50
21.2
2.4
1.2
3.6
19.50
21.0
-1.2
-1.2
2.4
20.50
20.3
4.8
3.6
3.6
21.50
19.5
-2.5
-1.2
2.4
22.50
19.2
9.7
9.7
9.5
23.50
19.2
-1.2
-1.2
2.4
00.50
19.2
0.0
0.0
3.6
01.50
19.1
9.7
9.7
8.5
02.50
18.9
-1.2
0.0
2.4
03.50
18.8
0.0
0.0
3.6
04.50
18.9
9.7
9.7
8.5
05.50
18.9
6.1
3.6
3.6
06.50
18.5
0.0
0.0
2.4
07.50
18.5
-3.7
-2.5
1.2
08.50
18.6
9.7
9.7
9.7
09.50
18.8
8.5
8.5
7.3
10.50
18.8
3.6
4.8
3.6
T1 thermocouple on top surface of set
T2 thermocouple just inside top, front of set
T3 thermocouple inside rear of set
The highest temperature gain was just under ten degrees centigrade above ambient.
Page 111
Plate29 Set in cupboard
No difference in recorded temperatures.
Plate 30 Set left running in cupboard, VCR and set top box jammed inside
Page 112
Table 3.2 Specimen results with television running and a fourth thermocouple recording the
cupboard temperature above ambient
Time of day
Ambient °C
T1 reading °C T2 reading °C T3 reading °C T4 reading °C
12.12
21.6
10.9
10.9
8.5
7.3
13.12
20.8
15.8
17.0
17.0
12.2
14.12
20.6
12.2
13.4
18.3
13.4
15.12
20.6
14.6
18.3
19.5
14.6
16.12
20.6
14.6
18.3
19.5
14.6
17.12
20.7
12.2
15.8
18.3
14.6
18.12
20.7
13.4
14.6
19.5
14.6
19.12
20.7
10.9
13.4
18.3
14.6
20.12
20.7
9.7
12.2
17.0
13.4
21.12
20.7
10.9
14.6
19.5
14.6
22.12
20.7
18.3
21.9
19.5
14.6
23.12
20.7
10.9
13.4
18.3
13.4
00.12
20.7
18.3
21.9
19.5
14.6
01.12
20.5
14.6
15.8
19.5
14.6
02.12
20.4
10.9
13.4
18.3
14.6
03.12
20.4
13.4
18.3
18.3
14.6
04.12
20.4
18.3
20.7
19.5
14.6
05.12
20.3
10.9
13.4
18.3
14.6
06.12
20.2
18.3
19.5
19.5
14.6
07.12
20.2
12.4
13.4
18.3
13.4
08.12
20.3
10.9
12.2
18.3
13.4
09.12
20.3
12.2
14.6
19.5
14.6
10.12
20.3
12.2
13.4
19.5
14.6
11.12
20.4
12.2
14.6
19.5
14.6
12.12
20.5
10.9
14.6
18.3
14.6
T1 thermocouple on top surface of set
T2 thermocouple just inside top, front of set
T3 thermocouple inside rear of set
T4 thermocouple inside top of cupboard
It is clear from this sample that after two hours the major temperature changes at the rear of the
set and within the cupboard had settled down to around 19 degrees and 14 degrees above ambient
respectively. This pattern held for the next five days.
No ignition resulted from these tests.
Page 113
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
1. Phase 1 tests showed that it can be difficult to distinguish between a fire that has reached
a television, as in Test 1.1 and a fire that has involved the television at an early stage of fire
development within a room, Test 1.2. The results of the two tests were presented at a Workshop
on Fire Investigation and Research immediately after the tests. About 60 investigators and
researchers were present and were shown the remains of the two televisions and asked
whether they could distinguish between them in terms of the damage seen and whether they
could tell how the fires started in the sets. Interestingly not all could. This raises the issue of
identifying the item first involved in a fire in a room as being the television. Other work on this
project has indicated that there is a lot of misreporting of the cause of television fires with
over 85% being ascribed to electrical faults and problems. In reality the proportion of electrical
fires may well be 50-60% with the rest resulting from external sources such as nightlights and
candles. Although the numbers of injuries and deaths are low from these causes it is clear
that a good proportion are avoidable but the incidence needs to be confirmed before any
formal government action is pursued.
2. The results of the tests under the calorimeter leads to the comparison between rates of heat
release, smoke production, CO and CO2 production as shown in Plates 31 and 32. The results
are presented in more detail in the Annex. From these results it is clear that the presence of
retardants is very effective in reducing ignition and promoting self-extinction. The heat release
is also reduced in the American set, peaking at 177kW compared to the 230-248 kW in the
UK-purchased sets. Smoke production was less overall in the American set, 4234 m3 compared
to 4494 m3 and 4566 m3 .in the British sets but peaked at a higher rate, see Plate 31. A similar
pattern of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide production can be seen in Plate 32 with the
American set peaking well above the British sets.
3. The effect of restricting ventilation to the set does cause some internal heating but in the new
set obtained, the temperature rise above ambient was only in the region of nineteen degrees
Celsius. This is unlikely to lead to serious problems of overheating.
4. There may be implications for the design of UK-purchased sets from this work. The shape of
the American sets means the volume of air above the printed circuit board is larger and so the
effects of heat from a failed component is less likely to involve the casing.
5. The difficulty in igniting the American sets confirms the effectiveness of the flame-retardants
present in the impact resistant polystyrene used in the casing.
Page 114
FUTURE WORK
1. In view of the misreporting of fires in television sets1 as to when and how they become
involved it is suggested that the UK Fire Service is invited to monitor and record all television
fires during December 2000 to the end of February 2001. Information could then be passed to
the Fire Service Inspectorate Information Bureau in Woking for collation. Further that where
there is a doubt as to the cause of the fire, either internal/electrical; or external that BREMA
and the manufacturers of particular sets be also invited to investigate the fire.
2. The effects of lack of ventilation on existing sets up to twenty years old could provide evidence
of whether this is a cause of overheating and fires. The presence of dust inside the set may
also make a contribution.
CONCLUSIONS
1. The UK-purchased sets are easy to ignite externally using a nightlight as the ignition source.
Internal ignition can also be achieved using the same source to represent a component failure.
2. The presence of flame-retardants as in the American sets is a very effective means of
preventing ignition.
3. Overheating due to poor ventilation in modern television sets is not seen as a source of ignition.
However this may not be the case with older existing sets.
4. Television fires should be monitored for a period of three months from 1December 2000 to
establish the true incidence ratio of internal to external sources of ignition.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am indebted to the support of FRS colleagues – Peter Cheney and Phil Clark, FRS, and Dave
Townsend LFCDA, for Phase I; Carol Goodall and Ken Shaw for Phase 2; Phil Clark and Steve
Howard for Phase 3.
REFERENCES
1. Pearson, J. Flammability of televisions.
2. Simonson.M. Private communication.
Page 115
Plate 31 Comparison of rates of heat release (top) and smoke production
Comparison of American and UK television
300
Burner off, USA TV only
Burner on, USA TV only
Burner off, USA TV only
270
Heat release rate (kW)
240
USA, external
ignition source
30kWUK, external
ignition source
UK, internal
ignition source
210
180
150
120
90
60
30
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Comparison of American and UK television sets
300
Burner off, USA TV only
Burner on, USA TV only
Burner off, USA TV only
Rate of smoke production (m3/s)
270
240
USA, external
ignition source
– 30kW burner
UK, external
ignition source
– nightlight
UK, internal
ignition source
– nightlight
210
180
150
120
90
60
30
0
Page 116
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Plate 32 Comparison of rates of production of carbon monoxide (top) and carbon dioxide
Rate of Carbon Monoxide Production
Comparison of American and UK television sets
0.0002
Burner off, USA TV only
Burner on, USA TV only
Burner off, USA TV only
Rate of CO production (m3/s)
0.0018
0.0016
USA, external
ignition source
– 30kW burner
UK, external
ignition source
– nightlight
UK, internal
ignition source
– nightlight
0.0014
0.0012
0.001
0.0008
0.0006
0.0004
0.0002
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Rate of Carbon Dioxide Production
Comparison of American and UK television sets
0.01
Burner off, USA TV only
Burner on, USA TV only
Burner off, USA TV only
Rate of CO2 production (m3/s)
0.009
USA, external
ignition source
– 30kW burner
UK, external
ignition source
– nightlight
UK, internal
ignition source
– nightlight
0.008
0.007
0.006
0.005
0.004
0.003
0.002
0.001
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Page 117
ANNEX
Calorimetry results
Test 2.1 TV GB1 external ignition
Parameter
Value
Time to value
(minutes)
Peak HRR (kW)
244.91
6.5
Peak duct temperature 1(°C)
66
7.15
Peak duct temperature 2 (°C)
65
6.55
20.198
6.5
Peak CO2 concentration (%)
0.545
6.5
Peak CO concentration (%)
0.038
6.5
8.06
8.75
0.00067
6.5
0.00871
6.5
THR (MJ), all contributions
112.9928
41.1
THR (MJ), ign-f/o
112.8334
TSP (m2), all contributions
4494.447
Minimum oxygen concentration (%)
2
Peak RSP (m /s)
Peak rate of CO production (m3/s)
2
3
Peak rate of CO production (m /s)
41.1
Test duration,s
2
TSP (m ), ign-f/o
3
TCO (m ), ign-f/o
All times from ignition
TVGB1
Page 118
4483.593
0.27501
2400
Plate 33 Test 2.1 TV GB1 external ignition, heat release rate and smoke production
Heat Release Rate
UK television, external ignition source – nightlight
300
Material: Television
Test code: TVGB1
Test date: 23/02/2000
270
Heat release rate (kW)
240
210
180
150
120
90
60
30
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Rate of Smoke Production at Duct Temperature
UK television, external ignition source – nightlight
25
Material: Television
Test code: TVGB1
Test date: 23/02/2000
Rate of smoke production (m3/s)
22.5
20
17.5
15
12.5
10
7.5
5
2.5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Page 119
Plate 34 Test 2.1 TV GB1 external ignition , carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide production
Rate of Carbon Monoxide Production
UK television, external ignition source – nightlight
0.0002
Material: Television
Test code: TVGB1
Test date: 23/02/2000
Rate of CO production (m3/s)
0.0018
0.0016
0.0014
0.0012
0.001
0.0008
0.0006
0.0004
0.0002
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Rate of Carbon Dioxide Production
UK television, external ignition source – nightlight
0.01
Material: Television
Test code: TVGB1
Test date: 23/02/2000
Rate of CO2 production (m3/s)
0.009
0.008
0.007
0.006
0.005
0.004
0.003
0.002
0.001
0
Page 120
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Test 2.2 TV GB2 internal ignition
Parameter
Value
Time to value
(minutes)
Peak HRR (kW)
229.93
21.4
Peak duct temperature 1(°C)
64
21.4
Peak duct temperature 2 (°C)
58
21.5
20.244
21.4
Peak CO2 concentration (%)
0.526
21.35
Peak CO concentration (%)
0.035
21.35
7.965
21.45
Peak rate of CO production (m3/s)
0.00062
21.35
Peak rate of CO2 production (m3/s)
0.00855
21.35
THR (MJ), all contributions
128.8146
55
THR (MJ), ign-f/o
128.8107
TSP (m2), all contributions
4566.468
Minimum oxygen concentration (%)
2
Peak RSP (m /s)
55
Test duration,s
2
TSP (m ), ign-f/o
3
TCO (m ), ign-f/o
4566.552
3300
0.31974
All times from ignition
TVGB2
Page 121
Plate 35 Test 2.2 TV GB2 external ignition, heat release rate and smoke production
Heat Release Rate
UK television, internal ignition source – nightlight
300
Material: Television
Test code: TVGB2
Test date: 23/02/2000
270
Heat release rate (kW)
240
210
180
150
120
90
60
30
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Rate of Smoke Production at Duct Temperature
UK television, internal ignition source – nightlight
25
Material: Television
Test code: TVGB2
Test date: 23/02/2000
Rate of smoke production (m3/s)
22.5
20
17.5
15
12.5
10
7.5
5
2.5
0
Page 122
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Plate 36 Test 2.2 TV GB2 external ignition , carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide production
Carbon Monoxide Concentration in the Exhaust Duct
UK television, internal ignition source – nightlight
0.1
Material: Television
Test code: TVGB2
Test date: 23/02/2000
0.09
CO concentration (%)
0.08
0.07
0.06
0.05
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Carbon Dioxide Concentration in the Exhaust Duct
UK television, internal ignition source – nightlight
0.7
Material: Television
Test code: TVGB2
Test date: 23/02/2000
CO2 concentration (%)
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Page 123
Test 2.3 TV USA1 external ignition – nightlight
Parameter
Value
Time to value
(minutes)
0.16
13.05
Peak duct temperature 1(°C)
13
7.65
Peak duct temperature 2 (°C)
13
-2
20.949
2.75
Peak CO2 concentration (%)
0.048
2.7
Peak CO concentration (%)
0.001
-2
0.024
14.95
Peak rate of CO production (m3/s)
0.00002
-2
Peak rate of CO2 production (m3/s)
0.00012
2.7
THR (MJ), all contributions
0.00603
29.3
THR (MJ), ign-f/o
0.00366
Peak HRR (kW)
Minimum oxygen concentration (%)
2
Peak RSP (m /s)
TSP (m2), all contributions
5.841
30.5
Test duration,s
2
TSP (m ), ign-f/o
3
TCO (m ), ign-f/o
4.314
0.0051
All times from ignition
TVUSA1
No graphs are presented as the results are too small to register
Page 124
1380
Test 2.4 TV USA2 internal ignition
Parameter
Value
Time to value
(minutes)
1.64
38
Peak duct temperature 1(°C)
13
-1.2
Peak duct temperature 2 (°C)
13
-2
20.945
38
Peak CO2 concentration (%)
0.047
0.8
Peak CO concentration (%)
0.001
-1.1
0.013
5.6
Peak rate of CO production (m3/s)
0.00002
-1.1
Peak rate of CO2 production (m3/s)
0.00006
0.8
THR (MJ), all contributions
0.29973
39.85
THR (MJ), ign-f/o
0.27933
Peak HRR (kW)
Minimum oxygen concentration (%)
2
Peak RSP (m /s)
TSP (m2), all contributions
0.198
6.2
Test duration,s
2
TSP (m ), ign-f/o
3
TCO (m ), ign-f/o
-1.041
2286
0.00126
All times from ignition
TVUSA2
No graphs are presented as the results are too small to register
Page 125
Test 2.5 TV USA3 external ignition – 30 kW burner
Parameter
Value
Time to value
(minutes)
Peak HRR (kW)
177.51
13.15
Peak duct temperature 1(°C)
42
13.45
Peak duct temperature 2 (°C)
45
13.6
20.533
13.15
0.277
13.15
Minimum oxygen concentration (%)
Peak CO2 concentration (%)
Burner contribution
Peak CO concentration (%)
0.086
13.65
19.874
13.05
0.00193
13.65
0.00519
13.2
THR (MJ), all contributions, inc.burner
105.6651
53.35
THR (MJ), ign-f/o, inc burner
105.4849
TSP (m2), all contributions
4234.785
2
Peak RSP (m /s)
Peak rate of CO production (m3/s)
2
3
Peak rate of CO production (m /s)
55.86
53.35
Test duration,s
2
TSP (m ), ign-f/o
4220.07
TCO (m3), ign-f/o
0.46674
THR, ign-f/o, excluding burner (MJ)
All times from ignition
TVUSA3
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Plate 37 Test 2.5 TV USA3 external ignition, heat release rate and smoke production
Heat Release Rate
American television, external ignition source – 30kW burner
Heat release rate (kW)
300
270
Material: Television
Test code: TVUSA3
Test date: 08/03/2000
240
Burner off
Burner off
Burner on
210
180
150
120
90
60
30
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Rate of Smoke Production at Duct Temperature
American television, external ignition source – 30kW burner
Rate of smoke production (m3/s)
25
22.5
Material: Television
Test code: TVUSA3
Test date: 08/03/2000
20
Burner off
Burner off
Burner on
17.5
15
12.5
10
7.5
5
2.5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
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Plate 38 Test 2.5 TV USA3 external ignition , carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide production
Rate of Carbon Monoxide Production
American television, external ignition source – 30kW burner
Rate of CO production (m3/s)
0.0002
Burner off
Burner on
0.0018
Material: Television
Test code: TVUSA3
Test date: 08/03/2000
0.0016
Burner off
0.0014
0.0012
0.001
0.0008
0.0006
0.0004
0.0002
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55
Rate of Carbon Dioxide Production
American television, external ignition source – 30kW burner
Rate of CO2 production (m3/s)
0.01
0.009
Material: Television
Test code: TVUSA3
Test date: 08/03/2000
0.008
Burner off
Burner off
Burner on
0.007
0.006
0.005
0.004
0.003
0.002
0.001
0
Page 128
5
10
15
20
25
30
Time (minutes)
35
40
45
50
55