BC Hydro investigates a vault fire
Canadian BC Hydro investigates electrical vault fire and determines the causes of fire and explosion.
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Canada, Vancouver: Canadian BC Hydro investigates electrical vault fire and determines the causes of fire and explosion.
BC Hydro has concluded its investigation into the fire and explosion that took place in an underground electrical vault in Vancouver in February 2023. The investigation determined that the fire and explosion were caused by a buildup of flammable gases resulting from a leaking gasket in the lid of an oil-filled switch. The leak occurred because incompatible materials were used during the repair and maintenance of the gasket over time.
The investigation also revealed that BC Hydro had previously identified significant risks related to the vault. The assessment warned that inadequate maintenance or replacement of the vaults could result in severe injury or death. However, BC Hydro did not replace the equipment in the vault until after the fire and the explosion. It was expected that the vault would undergo maintenance, but the crews lacked proper information, instructions, and materials to complete the work.
In response to this incident and the findings of the investigation, BC Hydro is taking several immediate actions: decommissioning underground vaults containing at-risk oil-filled equipment, performing program review of other distribution street vault equipment, cooperating with regulators, such as WorkSafeBC and the British Columbia Utilities Commission, and sharing the lessons learned with other utilities.
Source: T&D World