wrote in message
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On Feb 2, 3:23 pm, spaco wrote:
If you think THAT is dangerous, how about this?
My neighbor is a volunteer firefighter. He recently told me that (at
least some) of the new hybrids have 300 or 400 volt systems. They have
been trained NOT to go near one of them that has caught fire or even put
water on them for fear of being electrocuted! ----"Even if you hear
then screaming", he says.
So, to me, 42 volts doesn't sound that bad. Hey, what do you think
of having 120 volts and 240 volts running around your house?

Pete Stanaitis
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I am a bit surprised. In general firefighters try to disconnect the
house power, but if they can't, hit the fire with lots of water. The
water will pop the breakers, the firemen are wearing insulating boots,
and if using a hose from a hydrant, are holding a grounded hose. Also
a stream of water from a fire hose is not contiuous and does not
conduct.


Dan

The training I've received on hybrid cars, SUV's and buses offered no such
advice (don't go near). The primary tactical changes in dealing with hybrids
concerned extrication techniques. IE: don't cut the orange wires, don't try
to disconnect the power. As far as fire conditions go we now need to be
concerned with the run off water due to acid/basic electrolyte volume &
fumes. Also some time is spent on battery locations because the weights
involved can affect the center of gravity and how you might stabilize the
vehicle.(some hybrid buses have the batteries on the roof) Concerning
electricity and structure fires we (my dept, others handle it different)
list shutting off the power as a priority but it's not at the top of the
list unless the power is the main problem... like the panel is on fire or
the metal roof/siding is charged... as a rule we shut off the main breaker
prior to overhaul and almost never pull meters, that gets left for the
utility workers. Over the years more firefighters have gotten injured
pulling meters then just fighting fires with the power on. In probie school
our instructor told us fire boots will not protect from shock any better
then a wet pair of sneakers and that electricity will only travel a few feet
up a hose stream. I have been zapped but not often and I could always id the
source.. like burned wires. About 2 months ago my ladder truck became
entangled in the high tension primaries in front of a fire building lucky
for us the ladder stopped on a well insulated section so the arc damage was
minimal, I really would of hated to stand by and watch my NEW hook & ladder
burn. We waited for the utility guys to come and shut off the juice.

Andrew