A large portion of agricultural organizations in Türkiye obtain products through indoor farming activities, primarily greenhouse cultivation. One of the greatest risks in greenhouse farming is electrical fires. Plants grown in indoor areas are used as raw materials in many fields, particularly in the food, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. In greenhouses and other indoor agricultural facilities, activities are based on electricity. Therefore, electrical energy must be circulated efficiently. Unfortunately, in recent years, greenhouse fires have occurred in many parts of Türkiye, and a significant portion of these fires stem from problems in the electrical installation. It is possible to be completely protected from these risks, but first, it is beneficial to define the electrical systems in greenhouses.
The Structure of Greenhouse Electrical Systems
Electrical circulation in greenhouses is generally provided by underground cables or cable conduits. Lighting, heating systems, and—if present—smart irrigation and fertilization equipment are connected to these cables. Indeed, in some cases, even the light needed by the plant is provided by artificial means; therefore, the continuity of the facility depends largely on the quality of the electrical systems.
Electrical energy is distributed to the facility from the main panel, and there are sub-distribution panels for regional distribution. While sockets and lighting are located in necessary areas, motor protection systems are also separately included in the installation. Motor protection switches are used to activate/deactivate motors in emergencies and to prevent them from malfunctioning. In many modern agricultural facilities, the boiler room and heating systems have a separate panel.
The electrical structure may vary according to the greenhouse systems. Different equipment may be present depending on the width of the greenhouse, the products grown, and the climatic conditions of the region. However, using electricity safely is of great importance for both product yield and the safety of employees and systems.
What are the Causes of Electrical Fires in Greenhouses?
As mentioned, greenhouses have a quite complex electrical system. Just as the units have separate distribution panels, there is a massive system managed through the main panel. Additionally, cables passed underground can carry many risks. It is quite difficult to maintain grid electricity at a stable balance. In fact, we can say it is impossible to maintain this stability without auxiliary equipment.
Cable protection in greenhouses is more difficult than in standard buildings. Consequently, the risk of electrical short circuits is quite high here. The simultaneous operation of systems that consume high energy creates a voltage imbalance in the installation, leading to risks such as electric shock or explosions. A second of imbalance can cause a fire that spreads to the entire facility, and there are many examples of this in previously occurred cases.
How to Take Precautions Against Fires and Electrical Accidents?
First of all, the cables in greenhouses must be protected. Care should be taken to ensure that cables are not affected by humidity, heat, or substances applied to plants such as water and pesticides. Additionally, electrical panels and cables should be replaced frequently, and the installation should be constantly renewed. The electrical installation should be adjusted according to the needs of the equipment to be used; when new equipment and systems are utilized, the installation should be upgraded accordingly.
However, it must be said that all of this is not enough. Considering that heating systems and motors put a simultaneous load on the panel, it is difficult to provide stabilization, and the lack of energy at stable levels creates a great danger. In this case, it is necessary to use equipment that helps balance voltage. Trimbox is a piece of equipment that will completely prevent situations such as fire and damage by providing voltage balance in greenhouses. In greenhouses where Trimbox is used, there is no need to worry about such risks.
Why Should Trimbox Be Used in Greenhouses and Indoor Agricultural Facilities?
Trimbox prevents dangerous high-voltage surges by stabilizing the voltage received from the grid according to the needs of the devices. In this way, all equipment, from motors to irrigation systems, can be used safely. On the other hand, even in the event of a lightning strike, it prevents the system from being damaged and ensures it continues to work by damping the overvoltage.
Trimbox, which provides electrical safety in indoor agricultural facilities, can be used by placing it in the main panel and, where necessary, in sub-panels. It will activate as soon as the system connections are made and will protect the greenhouse installation, completely eliminating risks caused by high voltage.
Simple precautions sometimes save lives. The best investment we can make for our family, our business, and our environment is protective measures. With Trimbox and GNDSeries, you can be protected from electricity-related damages and resulting electrical contact fires.
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