Electrical fires and the power disconnect issue [telecom facilities]

This paper presents issues surrounding Class C (energized electrical) central office fires and discuss what works, what doesn't work and what needs more research. The central office from the perspective of a fire responder is presented. Additionally, the paper addresses the thorny question: to disconnect or not to disconnect and offers concepts for micro level power down circuitry. Certainly it is a controversial issue and it rages on nearly ten years after the watershed Hinsdale Illinois (USA) fire. Most telephone people distrust any device which might shut down telephone service. Generally, when a telephone person is in favor of disconnects, it nearly always follows that the person is a volunteer fire fighter in his or her private life.