BAROTAC VIEJO NATIONAL HIGHSCHOOL

SENIOR HIGH
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

THE LEADING CAUSES OF ELECTRICAL FIRE

IN BAROTAC VIEJO, ILOILO

Research Paper

Presented to: NOVY MARIE B. DOROMAL

In Partial Fulfilment

in Practical Research

Presented by:

Karl Lourence V. Yanson

Joshua B. Balbon

Kayle Jhune B. Balayo

Rhym Rey E. Baldove

Romel B. Cortez

Dice Jan B. Sutacio

Angel Boy S. Tacata

Rey B. Aguilar

Christian Jade B. Barte

James Carl B. Balboa

Ken Arve Carencia

Ariel Belandres

Ardin Jay Alfonso

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SENIOR HIGH
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION OF THE STUDY

This chapter is divided in to five parts:[1]Background of

the Study,[2]Purpose of the Study,[3]Significance of the Study,
[4]Definition of Terms, [5]Delimitation of the Study.

Part One, Background of the Study, discusses the basic

information about the study, the importance and validity of the
chosen topic, why it is needed to be studied, and the conceptual
framework of the study.

Part Two, Purpose of the Study, states the research and

production purpose and the specific question of the study.

Part Three, Significance of the Study, presents the

beneficiaries of the study, as well as the benefits to be
derived from the results of the study.

Part Four, Definition of Terms, present the conceptual and

operational definitions of the important term used in the study.

Part Five, Delimitation of the Study, specifies the scope

and coverage of the study.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Electrical Fires are of the most common types of fires in

modern society. In the Philippines, electrical fires have caused
significant damage to property and have led to loss of life.
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ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

Barotac Viejo, a small town in Iloilo, has experienced its

fair share of electrical fires in recent years, which has
prompted a need for research on this issue. This paper will
provide background information on the study of electrical fires
in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.

Barotac Viejo is a fourth-class municipality in the

province of Iloilo, located on the north-eastern coast of Panay
Island .The town has a total land area of 7,927 hectares, and
its population is estimated to be around 35,000 people as
2020.Barotac Viejo is predominantly an agricultural area, with
rice and sugarcane as the primary crops.

According to the Barotac Viejo Bureau of Fire Protection

[BVBFP], electrical fires are one of the leading causes of fires
in the Philippines, with faulty electrical wiring being a common
cause. In Barotac Viejo, There have been several reported cases
can cause fires. In Barotac Viejo, many people use appliances of
electrical fires, with most of them happening in residential .

For example, in 2019, a fire broke out in the town, damaging

several houses and leaving hundreds of families homeless. The
cause of the fire was attributed to faulty electrical wiring.

There are several reasons why electrical fires occur. One

of the most common reasons is faulty wiring. Old or damaged
wiring can cause electrical fires, as can overloading of
electrical outlets. In Barotac Viejo, many homes and buildings
have old electrical wiring, which increases the risk of
electrical fires. Additionally, many people in the town use

extension cords and the power strips to increase the number of

electrical outlets in their homes, which can overload the
circuits and cause fires.

Another reasons why electrical fires occur is the misuse of

electrical appliances. For example, leaving appliances on for an
extended period of time or using them improperly like rice
cookers, refrigerators, and electric fans, which can all be fire
hazards if not used properly.
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ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

Moreover, the lack of awareness and knowledge about fire

prevention and safety is another contributing factor to
electrical fires. Many people in Barotac Viejo do not have
access to information on fire safety, and they may not know how
to prevent fires or what to do in case of a fire. This lack of
knowledge and awareness can increase the risk of fires the
town.

The local government of Barotac Viejo has taken some steps

to address the issue of electrical fires. The Municipal Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) has conducted fire
safety awareness campaigns in the town, providing information
and resources to resident on how to prevent fires and what to do
in case of a fire. Additionally, the BVBFP has conducted
inspections of buildings and homes in the town to ensure that
electrical wiring is up to code and that appliances are being
used safely.

However, despite these efforts, electrical fires continue

pa to be a problem in Barotac Viejo. More research is needed to
identify the underlying cause of electrical fires in the town
and to develop effective strategies for preventing them. The
research could include surveys of residents to determine their
knowledge and awareness of fire prevention and safety, as well
as investigations of specific incidents of electrical to
identify the root causes.

In conclusion, electrical fires are a serious issue in

Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, and more research is needed to address
this problem. Faulty wiring, the misuse of electrical
appliances, and a lack of awareness and knowledge about fire
prevention and safety are all contributing factors to the
occurrence of electrical fires in the town. Efforts by the local
government and the Barotac Viejo Municipality(BVBFP)

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

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The purpose of the study is to investigate the causes and

factors that contribute to electrical fires, as well as to
develop prevention and mitigation strategies to minimize the
risk of such fire.

Specifically, it aimed to answer the following questions.

1. What are the leading causes of fires?

2. How can you electrical fires from occurring?

3. What you should do if you suspect an electrical fire?

4. What are some signs that an electrical fire may be starting?

5. How can you properly extinguish an electrical fire?

SIGNIFICANS OF THE STUDY

The study on the leading causes of electrical fires in

Barotac Viejo, Iloilo holds significant importance for several
reasons. Firstly, it provides crucial insights into the specific
factors that contribute to electrical fires in this particular
location, enabling authorities to design targeted preventive
measures. By identifying the leading causes, such as faulty
wiring, overloaded circuits, or misuse of electrical appliances,
the study helps raise awareness among residents and encourages
them to adopt safer practices. Moreover, the findings can aid in
formulating building codes, electrical safety regulations, and
public education campaigns, thereby reducing the risk of

electrical fires, preventing property damage, and most

importantly, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community
in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Electrical fire: A fire caused by an electrical source or

equipment, such as overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or
electrical appliances.

2. Short circuits: An electrical circuits in which the current

flows though a path of very low resistance, causing a high
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ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

current flow that can damage electrical equipment and start

fires.

3. Electrical overload: A condition that occurs when too many

electrical device are connected to a single circuit, using the
circuit to draw more current than it can handle and potentially
leading to electrical fires.

4. Faulty wiring: Faulty wiring is one of the primary causes of

electrical fires. This can occur when wiring is old, worn out,
or has been damaged is some way.

DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to give people information about electrical

fire. And how prevent it from happening.

The coverage of our study focused in “the leading causes of

Electrical fire in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo”. Information was
gathered from internet surfing, observation and interviews. This
study was conducted in the municipality of Barotac Viejo,
Iloilo, by the learners of Electrical installation and
Maintenance strand of Barotac Viejo National High School school
year 2022-2023.

This study is exclusively applicable in Barotac Viejo,

Iloilo only.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE

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ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

The related literature on electrical fires reveals

valuable insights into their causes, prevention, and mitigation
strategies. Several studies emphasize the significance of
electrical system maintenance, highlighting faulty wiring,
overloaded circuits, and outdated components as leading causes
of electrical fires. Fire safety standards and regulations are
discussed, emphasizing the importance of adherence to codes,
proper installation practices, and routine inspections. Fire
detection and suppression technologies are explored, including
the effectiveness of smoke detectors, fire alarms, and automatic
sprinkler systems in minimizing fire damage. Additionally,
research addresses the importance of public awareness campaigns
and educational initiatives to promote electrical fire safety
and reduce the risks associated with electrical installations
and appliances.

Epidemiological assessment of fires in the Philippines, 2010-2012

Fires are the most costly preventable emergency in the

Philippines but are relatively unstudied. A 2012 study done by
the Department of Health - Health Emergency Management Staff
(DOH-HEMS) revealed that fires constituted 39 percent of all
events reported to the Health Emergency Alert Reporting System
(HEARS) from 2005 to 2009 and caused 263 deaths and 749

injuries. The epidemiology of fires and fire-related casualties

in the Philippines from 2010 to 2012 was assessed.All fires
reported in the HEARS of the DOH-HEMS during that period were
included in the study. Fires were a greater problem from 2010 to
2012 and affected the same geographic locations. A total of 883
fires and 824 fire-related casualties were reported, majority of
which occurred in Metro Manila. Fires occurred throughout
November to March, were more frequent from midnight to 3 a.m.,
and most often involved residential areas. No improvement in the
fire situation was noted for 2010 to 2012. There is a need to
review present local and national efforts at fire prevention and
control. Further research and analysis of causes and determinants
of fires would provide more useful information for fire
prevention policy and planning in the Philippines.
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ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

Electrical Post Fire as Cause of Fire Incidents in Region VI,

Philippines

Electrical post fire is the number one cause of fire

incidents in Region VI, Philippines. A study by the Bureau of
Fire Protection Region VI found that 59.20% of all fire incidents
in the region were caused by electrical post fire. The study also
found that the provinces of Iloilo and Negros Occidental had the
highest rate of fire incidents caused by electrical post fire

Research on electrical fires: The state of the art

Electrical fires—fires directly caused by the flow of

electric current or by static electricity—are one of the
important types of structure fires. The subsequent development of
an electrical fire is generally no different than that of any
other type of structural fire. But the mechanisms leading to
ignition of an electrical fire are, in many cases, uniquely
specialized and in need of specific research to delineate their
characteristics. Despite the importance of electrical fires,
there has not been any institution in the English-speaking world
with a long-term commitment to research in this area. Worldwide,
the situation has been much better, due to extensive research in
Japan. But most of this body of work was only published in the
Japanese language and, consequently, had been unavailable to most
scientists and engineers in English-language countries. The
publication of the Ignition Handbook presented for the first time
in English many of the salient Japanese research results in this
field and these, taken together with the scattered studies that
have been reported in English, allow a basic understanding of
physical mechanisms to be reached. The present review presents
the highlights of these findings. The review of the state of the
art also shows that there are still a number of gaps where even
first-cut research is not available. It is urged that a
systematic research effort on electrical fires be established in
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the US and certain high-priority topics are outlined.

(Apelyido,2021)

Visual and oxide analysis for identification of electrical fire

scene

Three aluminum wires with different melted mark, which

were found inside a burned distribution board from the electrical
fire debris in rural areas of Northeast China were characterized
to determine the cause of fire. By visual and
microstructure/metallographic analysis, one melted bead shows
typical morphology (microstructure/characteristics) as a result
of overheating or electric short circuit (ESC) arc beads which
was identified as the most possible ignition source. The
macro-/micro-structure of the metallic wire, the chemical
composition of the …

Research on online monitoring and cause identification system of

building electrical fire.

Frequent building electrical fire accidents have brought

great harm to life and property. In order to prevent the
occurrence of accidents and reduce the losses to the greatest
extent, it is necessary to take effective measures for building
electrical fires. Based on the Internet of things (IoT)
technology, a system for online monitoring and cause
identification of building electrical fire is proposed in this
paper. For both hardware and software, this paper introduces the
overall structure, component units and system functions in
detail. According to the characteristics of arc fault and fire,
the complete scheme of online monitoring is given, and the system
workflow is also

described to realize the cause identification. Finally, the

effectiveness of this system is verified by practical testing.
The results show that the proposed system is helpful to solve the
problems in monitoring and cause identification of building
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electrical fire, which can not only provide decision-making basis

for firefighting, but also provide strong technical support for
improving the safety of low-voltage power grid.

Home electrical fires

In 2011, an estimated 47,700 home structure fires reported

to US fire departments involved some type of electrical failure
or malfunction as a factor contributing to ignition. These fires
resulted in 418 civilian deaths, 1,570 civilian injuries, and
$1.4 billion in direct property damage. Non-home electrical fires
in 2011 were estimated at 16,400, with associated losses of 13
civilian deaths, 243 civilian injuries, and $501 million in
direct property damage.

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Electrical fires pose a significant threat to public

safety and property, causing substantial damage and potential
loss of life. In Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, the occurrence of
electrical fires has been a growing concern in recent years.
This qualitative study aims to investigate and understand the
leading causes of electrical fires in the community, thereby
providing valuable insights for preventive measures and safety
interventions. By exploring the perceptions, experiences, and
knowledge of local residents, electrical professionals, and
relevant stakeholders, this research seeks to shed light on the
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root causes of these fires and identify strategies to mitigate

the risks effectively.

Electricity is an essential part of modern life, powering

our homes, workplaces, and public spaces. However, when
electrical systems are not properly maintained or used, they can
become potential fire hazards. Barotac Viejo, a municipality in
Iloilo, has witnessed an increase in electrical fires over the
past few years, which has had severe consequences for both
individuals and the community at large. Understanding the
leading causes of these fires is crucial for developing
effective preventive measures and promoting electrical safety
practices.

Study Design

This study will employ a qualitative research design,

allowing for an in-depth exploration of the causes and factors
contributing to electrical fires. Qualitative methods offer a
rich understanding of people’s experiences, perceptions, and
knowledge, which is vital in capturing the complexity of this
issue.

Data Collection

The study will employ semi-structured interviews with residents,

electrical professionals, and key stakeholders involved in
electrical safety. The interviews will be conducted face-to-face
or remotely, ensuring the safety and comfort of participants.
Open-ended questions will be used to encourage detailed
responses and gather diverse perspectives on the causes and
preventive measures of electrical fires.

Data Analysis

Thematic analysis will be employed to identify recurring themes

and patterns from the interview data. The transcripts will be
carefully analyzed, and meaningful codes will be assigned to
relevant segments of the text. These codes will then be grouped
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into themes, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the

leading causes of electrical fires in Barotac Viejo.

SIGNIFICANCE AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES

This study is expected to contribute significantly to the field

of electrical fire prevention and safety in Barotac Viejo,
Iloilo. By identifying the root causes of these fires and
exploring the perspectives of local residents, electrical
professionals, and stakeholders, appropriate interventions and
safety awareness programs can be developed. Ultimately, this
research aims to reduce the incidence of electrical fires,
enhance public safety, and protect the community’s well-being.
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REFERENCES

Velasco, Gloria Nenita V; Epidemiological fires in the

Philippines, 2010-2012

Electrical Post Fire as Cause of Fire Incidents in Region VI,

Philippines

Babrauskas, Veytines; Research on Electrical Fires; The State of

the Art; Fire Saf. Sci 9, 3-18, 2009

Xie, Dongbai; Visual and Oxide Analysis for Identification of

Electrical Fire Scene; Forensic Science International 285, e12-
e24, 2018

Hall, John Raymond; Home Electrical Fires; National Fire

Protection Association, 2013