The danger at charging stations: It could be the cause of a major fire

With the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, the number of charging stations is increasing rapidly. However, Haluk Bozali, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Electrical Technicians, is issuing significant warnings regarding the inadequacy of current infrastructure and fire safety issues.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CANNOT EVEN INTERVENE IN A BASEMENT FIRE

Bozali states that disputes and legal issues arising from infrastructure deficiencies, especially in large residential complexes, pose a serious threat. Expressing that fires that may occur in electric vehicles while charging make it difficult for the fire department to intervene in basement levels and that these fires can last for days, Bozali points out that the infrastructure must be urgently updated for the safety of buildings and their surroundings.

SYSTEM RENEWAL IS ESSENTIAL

The high power drawn by electric vehicle chargers continues to strain the existing electrical infrastructure. Stating that Istanbul's infrastructure struggles to support even two 180 kW chargers, Bozali expressed that this situation increases the risk of fire and makes the use of dynamic load management systems mandatory. These systems protect the infrastructure and reduce fire risk by ensuring that chargers operate in accordance with the building's maximum power capacity.

STANDARDS MUST BE ESTABLISHED

Haluk Bozali emphasizes that standards regarding electric vehicle charging stations must be established as soon as possible. He stated that infrastructure planning should be carried out in cooperation with electrical technicians and distribution companies, and that fire safety measures should be evaluated by experts during the installation phase.

PROBLEMS WILL INCREASE IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN

Bozali invited site managers, citizens, and relevant institutions to become informed and take the necessary steps quickly to solve infrastructure and fire safety problems. He warned that if these measures are not taken, much larger problems could be encountered in the coming years.