Smoke Corrosivity: Generation, Impact, Detection, and Protection

Abstract

As a result of recent fires worldwide in telecommunications facil ities, computer centers, research facilities and naval vessels, there has been a growing realization that thermal damage may not be the most costly impact to electronic equipment. On the contrary, the real culprit may be exposure of equipment to the by-products of combustion or thermal decomposition. The short-term exposure of equipment to "fire gases" and "smoke" particulates can result in massive damage leading to extensive cleaning or replacement in order to regain service. This paper will present an understanding of the genera tion of smoke corrosivity, the impacts fire gases and particulates can have on electronic equipment, methods available for detection of these combustion products, and considerations for future protection of equipment.