Fire Safety in EV Charging: How Enviroburst Technology Protects Homes and Businesses

The UK is accelerating towards electric mobility. As the adoption of EVs increases, more motorists are installing home charge points or using shared charging points. A step towards a cleaner world, certainly, but it has also put one new problem under the limelight: fire safety in electrical systems.

Most do not consider the risks until it is too late, but electrical fires in consumer units or fuse boards are becoming increasingly prevalent. As EV chargers impose heavy, constant loads on electrical systems, the likelihood of overheating or faults rises. For homes and companies alike, this makes fire suppression technology more critical than ever.

One of the innovative solutions at the forefront is Enviroburst, a brilliant, auto-activating capsule that can rapidly put out fires at their point of origin. Let's see why this technology is so important, particularly for EV owners, and how Plug In Stations (PIS) are making charging smarter and safer, too.

Understanding the Fire Risk in EV Charging

The purpose of consumer units, also referred to as fuse boards, is to safeguard residential and commercial buildings against electrical malfunctions. They are not impervious to defeat, though. Fires can occasionally be started by malfunctioning wiring, overloaded systems, or antiquated equipment.

Now, add in the growing trend of overnight EV charging:

• Chargers pull significant power for hours at a time.
• Many older homes have not been upgraded to modern standards.
• Street charging and shared wiring setups often involve additional strain.

The result? A higher-than-usual risk of fire in fuse boards linked to EV charging points. While regulations and safe installs reduce risks, they can never eliminate them. This is where built-in safety layers become essential.

Introducing Enviroburst: A Simple but Powerful Safety Innovation

Enviroburst is a fire suppression capsule designed to do one thing exceptionally well: act fast in the event of a fire.

Here’s how it works:

• The capsule is placed inside consumer units or other high-risk enclosures.
• When exposed to heat from an electrical fault, it bursts.
• The bursting action releases a non-toxic extinguishing agent.
• This agent immediately smothers the fire at its source before it spreads.

The benefits are clear:

• Automatic Reaction: No human involvement is required.
• Low Maintenance: Enviroburst doesn't need to be serviced after it is installed.
• Eco-Friendly: It is safe for homes and workplaces due to its non-toxic materials.
• Cost-effective: A minor outlay of funds in comparison to the price of fire damage.

In essence, Enviroburst turns fuse boards into self-protecting systems, giving homeowners, landlords, and businesses peace of mind.

Why This Matters for EV Owners

The UK government recently announced £63 million in funding to improve EV charging infrastructure. While this is fantastic news for accessibility, it doesn’t automatically solve safety concerns.

Here’s why EV drivers in particular should consider fire suppression:

• Street Charging Risks: Around 40% of UK households don’t have driveways. Connecting to older or mixed wiring configurations, which may be more prone to malfunctions, is frequently required when using on-street or shared charging stations.
• Overnight Charging: Many EV owners charge while they sleep, meaning any fire could spread unnoticed.
• Different Earthing Systems: Connecting vehicles on the street to home circuits can sometimes create grounding issues, adding to the fire risk.

By integrating Enviroburst into consumer units, EV owners add a safety net that ensures even if something does go wrong, the fire is suppressed instantly.

Plug In Stations’ Approach to Safer Installs

At Plug In Stations, we believe safety is not optional; it’s built in. With EV adoption accelerating, our team is committed to making sure charging installs are not just convenient but also secure and future-ready.

Here’s how we’re making a difference:

• Smarter Installs: Where necessary, we improve systems after carefully evaluating electrical loads.
• Safety Improvements: Endorsing and incorporating Enviroburst and other fire suppression technologies.
• Industry Leadership: Advocating for fire suppression to become standard in consumer units for EV installs.
• Peace of Mind for Customers: We guarantee that performance and safety are given equal weight, whether you're a business, landlord, or homeowner.

When you choose Plug In Stations, you’re not just getting an EV charger; you’re investing in long-term safety and reliability.

The Bigger Picture: Why Fire Suppression Should Become Standard

As EV adoption continues to grow, the conversation can’t just be about how many chargers we install. It must also focus on how safe those chargers are.

Imagine:

• Thousands of new installs every month.
• Many are in older buildings or shared spaces.
• The Chargers are pulling heavy loads day after day.

Without added safety measures, the risks will inevitably rise. By making fire suppression like Enviroburst standard practice, the industry can stay ahead of the problem and build trust with drivers, property owners, and regulators.

Conclusion: Safer Installs for a Safer Future

The foundation of a better, cleaner transportation system is EV charging. However, the very technology that drives our future may endanger homes and businesses if appropriate safeguards are not in place.

Innovations like Enviroburst are crucial because of this. It provides a crucial extra degree of security by providing an easy, automated method of putting out flames at their origin. It guarantees EV charging is sustainable and safe when paired with intelligent installations and conscientious behaviour.

At Plug In Stations, our mission is simple: to deliver safe, reliable, and future-proof charging solutions. For us, fire safety isn’t an afterthought; it’s a priority.

Want to upgrade your EV charging setup with built-in fire protection? Contact Plug In Stations today for expert advice and installation.

FAQs on Fire Safety in EV Charging and Enviroburst

1. Why is fire safety a concern for EV charging at home?
EV chargers often run for several hours, usually overnight. This puts a heavy load on consumer units (fuse boards). Older or overloaded systems may overheat, increasing the risk of electrical fires.

2. What is Enviroburst, and how does it work?
Enviroburst is a fire suppression capsule that sits inside fuse boards or other enclosures. When heat from an electrical fault is detected, the capsule bursts and releases an extinguishing agent that smothers the fire instantly at its source.

3. Do I need Enviroburst if my charger is professionally installed?
Even with a professional install, no system is 100% risk-free. Enviroburst provides an extra layer of safety, ensuring fires are suppressed before they spread, giving homeowners and businesses peace of mind.

4. Is Enviroburst safe for homes and workplaces?
Yes. It uses a non-toxic, eco-friendly agent, requires no maintenance, and is completely safe to use in both domestic and commercial environments.

5. How much does installing Enviroburst cost?
Costs vary depending on the installation, but compared to the potential damage from an electrical fire, it’s a very affordable safety investment. You can contact Plug In Stations for advice and quotes.

‍