Fire proofing materials

[ajg007]

Once i get my rig working and tuned i want to put it in my attic.   Now don't panic, my bedroom is in the attic and i get access to the rest via a hidden door.   It has plenty of ventilation.  What i'm wanting is to make a small part fireproof just in case something happens.


Am i being to cautious ?

Or can you suggest some materials that would suffice?


EDIT:  would this work? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/White-phenolic-resin-boards-A4-for-signs-clipboards-waterproof-fireproof-/290917040379?pt=UK_Crafts_Other_Crafts_EH&hash=item43bc01c0fb

[systic]

Id stay away from a attic. t gets super hot in a attic.

[keatonatron]

Id stay away from a attic. t gets super hot in a attic.

Yep. I have seen computer performance seriously degrade when the temperature gets too high. Unless you can leave your rig by an open window 24/7 or have a good A/C system, I don't think the attic is a good choice. Heat rises!

[BBQKorv]

If you really can keep the temps in control then I would use standard drywall. Very cheap, readily available, easy to work. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drywall

[ajg007]

Thanks.   I might reconsider my plan then.     But then...i live in scotland.    Not many hot days here  lol

[ISAWHIM]

All the more reason to keep it where you can "use the heat", if needed.

Best to place your rig on a table, next to a window, that you can "vent out", if needed.

Drywall is fire-retardant. However, electrical fires do not usually burn-on after the device shorts and the power is removed from the "source". Remember, unless you have ill-matched hardware, then you are about 98% safe. Thanks to UL standards. As long as you don't hang your clothing or curtains above it, which will easily burn-up.

If you must place it in the attic, be sure that it is still getting adequate air, and venting. (Even a simple window-duct will work, but remember that water can rain sideways into an open window. Not wise for an unattended machine.)

How many cards, and which cards, are we talking about here? (having only 3 cards is not a major concern, that is what is inside most hard-core gamers computers. Even six cards is not that big of a deal... but 60 to 600 is a good reason to fireproof your attic.)

Also note... Can your WIRES handle the power? The further you get from the power-box, the greater your risk of an in-wall electrical fire. (More if you have older aluminum wires, or just ONE breaker or FUSE for the whole attic to use. They don't normally "power" attics, only with enough wires to run a light or two, momentarily. Not to power a 1500W to 3000W heater, 24/7)

[razorfishsl]

Garage or shed is the place for this sort of kit.

rockwool or glassfibre insulation makes a fairly good fire break.

Also be 100% clear that once an Arc has formed, it can propagate with less than 3 Amps, what that means is if it is not a dead short , the fuse will not blow and you can sustain something that burns at > 1000 degrees..... so No an Attic is NOT a good place.