Overload and overheating: discover how Bridgemeter monitors and prevents electrical faults in real time, avoiding structural fires during critical periods.
Brazil is facing a worrying escalation in structural fire incidents, as revealed by a recent survey from the Brazilian Sprinkler Institute (ISB) . August 2024 registered a new record of 234 occurrences, surpassing all previous months of the year and only falling behind August 2021 in the historical series. This significant increase coincides with the intensification of heat waves affecting various regions of the country, a phenomenon aggravated by El Niño and which, according to experts, is expected to persist in the coming years.
ISB consultant Marcelo Lima highlights the seriousness of the situation: “This data reveals a rise in fire reports in Brazil. The daily monitoring of news carried out by ISB remains the only way for us to estimate the situation regarding fires in Brazil, since the statistics of occurrences collected by state fire departments are not released.”.
The Impact of Climate Change on Structural Fires
The record-breaking heat waves observed in various regions of Brazil are not isolated events, but part of a global warming trend. The El Niño phenomenon, in particular, has intensified these effects, leading to extreme temperatures that put electrical systems and building infrastructure to the test.
In this scenario of extreme heat, the risks of structural fires increase significantly. Overloaded electrical equipment, cooling systems working at their limit, and building materials subjected to high temperatures create an environment conducive to the start and rapid spread of fires. The situation is even more critical in densely populated urban areas, where a fire can quickly spread to neighboring structures.
Limitations of Traditional Fire Prevention and Fighting Solutions
Given this scenario, organizations follow Brazilian regulations that guide the installation of fire suppression systems such as extinguishers, sprinklers, hydrants, and others. Although these measures are important, they only act after a fire has started, not preventing its occurrence. Sprinklers, for example, are effective in containing flames, but do not prevent the damage caused by fire and smoke, in addition to the use of water in firefighting, which often causes more damage than the fire itself.
Furthermore, preventive techniques such as manual thermography of electrical infrastructure, while useful, have significant limitations:
- Insufficient temporal coverage : Manual thermography, performed annually or periodically, covers less than 1% of the equipment's operational time, leaving 99% of the period subject to unmonitored risks.
- Exposure to risks : This approach exposes technicians to unnecessary hazards during inspections.
- Dependence on human skill : Effectiveness depends heavily on the operator's skill and the quality of the equipment used.
- Deterioration of thermal windows : The accuracy of readings can be compromised by the degradation of thermal windows over time.
- Specific load conditions : For accurate readings, equipment must be operating under specific load conditions, which is not always possible during scheduled inspections.
These combined factors make manual thermography an unreliable method for the continuous and effective prevention of structural fires.
Bridgemeter: The Revolution in Predictive Monitoring of Electrical Panels
It is in this challenging context that Bridgemeter emerges as the definitive solution for the prevention of structural fires. This innovative real-time predictive monitoring system for electrical panels represents a technological leap in the protection of critical infrastructure.
Functioning and Main Features
Bridgemeter uses advanced sensors to continuously monitor crucial parameters such as voltage, current, power, and, most importantly, temperature of electrical panels. Unlike periodic inspections, Bridgemeter offers 24/7 surveillance, identifying anomalies and worrying trends long before they become critical problems.
Main system features:
- Continuous monitoring : Uninterrupted surveillance, covering 100% of operational time.
- High-precision sensors : Capture accurate data on temperature, current, and other vital parameters.
- Real-time predictive analytics : Uses advanced algorithms to predict potential failures before they occur.
- Intuitive interface : Detailed dashboards accessible via computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Automatic notifications : Immediate alerts sent to the responsible team when abnormal conditions are detected.
- Integration with other systems : Ability to connect with existing management systems for a holistic approach to security.
- Affordable Installation : Offered as a solution-as-a-service model, its installation becomes financially viable.
Advantages over Traditional Methods
The Bridgemeter overcomes the limitations of traditional methods in several aspects:
- Proactive prevention : Identifies potential problems before they become critical, allowing for preventative action.
- Enhanced safety : Reduces the need for frequent manual inspections, minimizing technicians' exposure to risks.
- Consistent accuracy : Not affected by factors such as thermal window degradation or specific load conditions.
- Resource efficiency : Optimizes maintenance processes, reducing operating costs and extending the lifespan of equipment.
- Historical data and trend analysis : Provides valuable insights for continuous improvements in electrical infrastructure.
Practical Applications of the Bridgemeter in Fire Prevention
Bridgemeter can be implemented in a wide range of environments, each with its own specific challenges:
Commercial and Residential Buildings
In office buildings and residential condominiums, Bridgemeter constantly monitors the main and secondary electrical panels. This is particularly crucial during periods of high demand, such as during heat waves when air conditioning use increases dramatically. The system can detect incipient overloads and alert management before critical failures or fires start.
Industrial Facilities
In industrial environments, where energy demand is high and constant, the Bridgemeter plays a vital role. It monitors not only the main panels but also specific high-consumption equipment. This allows for more efficient energy management and prevents unscheduled downtime that can result in significant financial losses.
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
In hospitals, where the continuity of power supply is literally a matter of life or death, Bridgemeter offers an additional layer of security. It monitors not only the main panels but also the backup systems, ensuring that critical equipment never loses power due to unforeseen electrical failures.
Data Centers
For data centers, where precise temperature control is crucial, Bridgemeter monitors not only electrical panels but can also be integrated with cooling systems. This ensures a stable operating environment and prevents failures that could lead to catastrophic data loss.
The Future of Fire Prevention with Bridgemeter
In a scenario where climate change is intensifying the risks of structural fires, Bridgemeter presents itself as an indispensable tool. Its implementation is not just a safety measure, but a strategic investment that protects lives, assets, and business continuity.
As cities become smarter and more connected, systems like Bridgemeter will be increasingly integrated into urban infrastructure. This will allow for a more holistic and efficient approach to fire prevention and large-scale emergency management.
Conclusion
While traditional solutions like sprinklers and manual thermographic inspections have their place, Bridgemeter represents the future of structural fire prevention. By adopting this advanced technology, organizations not only protect themselves against the growing risks associated with heat waves and electrical overload, but also position themselves at the forefront of intelligent and sustainable management of critical infrastructure.
In a world where prevention is increasingly crucial, Bridgemeter offers not only safety but also peace of mind. It's a forward-looking solution, preparing buildings and infrastructure for the climate and technological challenges ahead. With Bridgemeter, we are not only addressing current problems but also anticipating and preventing the challenges of tomorrow.
Learn more about real-time predictive monitoring of electrical panels by downloading the catalog below.
Application
Ensure energy efficiency and prevent fires with Electrical and Control Panel Monitoring
The Electrical and Control Panel Monitoring catalog shows how Bridgemeter, Above-Net 's Industrial IoT predictive analytics solution, enables intelligent remote monitoring of any electrical and control panel parameter in real time.
