Threat of fire from audio equipment


Just read Art Dudley's new piece in Stereophile, and found myself becoming all sorts of worried. For many, many years now, I've left solid state equipment powered on -- except during thunderstorms or when heading away from home for extended periods. Now, I'm rethinking this practice.

See Mr. Dudley's article here:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/listening-193-nordost-flatline-cables

My questions:

Is what happened to him the rarest of things, like someone's being struck by lightning? Is putting an amp (or another piece) into standby mode any better than leaving it on -- when it comes to preventing fire, that is -- or can a unit in standby mode burst into flames just like one that's powered on fully? Do others worry about fire? As much as I appreciate a fully warmed-up system, if fire is a legitimate concern, I'll routinely switch things off when I'm not around and listening. Or about to listen.

I'd love to learn what others -- especially those who understand engineering and electricity -- do with their equipment.

Thanks very much.

Howard
 
hodu
Reminds me of a 1KW isolation transformer in the TV repair workshop where I worked which went bad. It was mounted on the wooden partition and the really loud vibration and plume of smoke were astonishing.
In order to have fire, one needs a source of ignition, oxygen and fuel. It would seem to follow that any component with a completely enclosed case would, after ignition, consume the oxygen contained within the case, and then self extinguish. 

Now if the case got hot enough and it was in contact with a gas can or something, then it could be the source of ignition, but I should think this highly unlikely. 
I thought some amps have fans, that would that add enough oxygen to a spark or flame... after all some fans are supposed to kick on if the amp gets too hot.
I always keep a fire extinguisher nearby. I recommend everyone keep a fire extinguisher near their audio system. 
As long as that extinguisher is for ELECTRICAL FIRES.. Not a good idea to use a liquid type on line electronics.     
The dry type is the one you want..And yes a good idea. I keep one around.