Why too much rain could make your pavement EXPLODE
Digital News Editor
Friday, September 26, 2014, 7:47 AM -
The footage, released this week from Westminster Council, shows a white van reversing just seconds before the flames broke out, followed by several subsequent explosions lasting over ten minutes.
This is not an isolated incident. So far, in 2014, there have been 64 explosions reported to the Health and Safety Executive in the capital.
The fire was caused by an electrical fault in a link box chamber, which can sometimes occur due to rain damage.
Basil Scarsella, CEO of UK Power Networks, which manages the infrastructure of power for London and the south east, said that although there are several potential causes for link box fails, the weather does have a significant impact.
“There is some evidence that the age of the asset is a contributor, but more important is the increase in the amount of rain we have seen in recent years.”
Moisture can enter cables and fittings and cause them to explode. Although a significant factor, weather is not the only cause of these explosions.
UKPN regularly inspects and maintains the network under London’s streets and has dedicated £125 million of investment in link boxes and cable pits over the next 8 years to help prevent further incidents like the one above.
Measures taken include introducing specially designed blankets which limit oxygen in the pits, filling underground chambers with sand, installing new pit covers and replacing some link boxes.
However, it is impossible to eliminate the risk of further explosions altogether.
The problem is not unique to London, and increases in rainfall around the country could, potentially, have explosive consequences anywhere in the UK.
RELATED:
