Assessing Fire Damage for Insurance Company

[oharaf]

Hi Guys interesting one.

Had a call today to go to look at a property that had been attacked by arsonists, probably, has not been confirmed.

18 month old property (very nice but built by Glendale).

Firstly I had a chat with the owner.

Prior to the fire they had had several 'power cuts' and suffered 'surges' damaging TV's laptops, game stations etc.

Interesting I thought.

I then went to look at the damage, the insurance company only requested an assessment at £50, so only a visual assessment today.

Anyway main damage is in the hall.

Melted light pendants, alarm panel severe smoke damage to the switches, sockets, heat detector and the like.

The kitchen also has bad smoke damage to the accessories particularly the lighting.

The down stairs wc has similar, nice light switch next to the sink!!!!

The lounge also has damage to the accessories.

External PIR light is unrecognisable.

I have not even viewed upstairs yet!!

The electricity supply was off at the CU, done by the Fire brigade.


So some thoughts on how what to put in the report regarding remedial work.

Mine are;

1. Obviously carryout a full visual inspection and a full Periodic to
determine the state of the installation, I think it is fair to say the entire
down stairs lighting circuit should be replaced.

2. What is the effect on carbon deposits on sockets and switches etc in
terms of their effective and safe operation?

3. The alarm system box is in the garage where nothing seems to be
effected, the rest is pretty much to pot.

4. Obviously the quotation would arise from the findings of the periodic
inspection, however would you deem it reasonable to replace all
smoke damaged accessories?

Any other pointers would be much appreciated

 

[ColJack]

you'll have to re-wire all the areas where the fire was or where there is any signs of heat damage.. the cables are probably only just sub-surface and would likely have melted..

any smoke damaged accessories wil need changing

any accessories or cables in walls that got a good soaking will need a good looking at..

 

[oharaf]

Very helpful cheers

 

[RF Lighting]

Yep I'd agree with that.

Any cables that you decide don't need replacing, make sure you have meggered every last little bit.

Any smoke damaged accessories will need replacing. Smoke may have oxidised the contacts in the sockets so you can't leave them.

You are also going to have to leave the parts of the installation you work on compliant with current regs, so if that switch in the WC is too close to the sink, it needs moving, and I assume you'll need to RCD the lights too.

Is the alarm privately owned or is it on a contract from an alarm company?

If you've never done a fire job before, you'll be amazed at how much damage it can do to the wiring. (and the wife will not speak to you until you've been in the shower )

As coljack mentioned, it can damage cables buried in walls, and you may find wiring in the floor / ceiling voids have been melted too.

 

[oharaf]

Cheers Rob

Alarm is privately owned

The install is 18 month old so done to 16th, like you say all circuits worked will be 17th it will be close call as to whether to RCBO or new dual cu. Presently split load.

Could be a nice job just at the right time

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[oharaf]

Half suspected that would be the case Holm!!!

They are getting a very brief verbal assessment on Monday.

Then if they want further it is down to negotiation

 

[ElectricDunc]

I've unfortunately had the honour of working on a number of fire damage properties. As Coljack has stated the cables in the walls where the fire was have most likely melted however it is suprising just how much of the installation will have been effected. I wouldn't be against recommending a full rewire with maybe the exception of the upstairs lights.

 

[Click-Sure]

maybe the exception of the upstairs lights.

The easiest bit

 

[securespark]

C'est la vie!

 

[oharaf]

Spoke to them today. Have said the house must not be re-energised without a full PIR including getting up some of the floors around the fire.

They asked about temporary supply for dehumidifiers, told them it is a no until a PIR is done and then only for instructed personnel.

They are keen to get going so I have told them I can PIR on Wednesday and Thursday.

Have warned them a full re-wire is a real possibility.

will await their call

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[oharaf]

The reccommendations are there, with my availability so we'll wait and see. It is all through a 3rd party for some reason!!

 

[kevindgas]

agree with holms on this one you can make up a temp board with CU and a few sockets. that is what we have done in the past. all extension leads we use are yellow so they can be seen. last one we did was a complete rewire and a new heating system as house had suffered a lightning strike and the damage was extensive.

 

[oharaf]

Understand what you're saying chaps.

But they haven't asked for anything yet.