Released on: October 25, 2007, 12:28 pm

Press Release Author: JT Krisnick Ltd./ Doug Kristof

Industry: Electronics

Press Release Summary: Insurers will face a myriad of smoke, heat and water claims


Press Release Body: COLUMBUS, OH, OCTOBER 25, 2007: The recent fires in California
have introduced a set of circumstances that will need to be addressed by insurance
companies. Electronic and electrical equipment can be damaged by fires because of
smoke, heat, and water contamination. This damage will become evident as time
progresses and will cause the cost of these fires to swell.

Smoke contamination can impair the operation and reliability of consumer, business,
and manufacturing equipment via two primary mechanisms. First, the particles borne
in smoke can clog filters and obstruct airflow around circuitry causing the
equipment to overheat. These smoke particles can also act as an abrasive by wearing
down mechanical parts.

Also the chloride and sulfate ions usually associated with the combustion of
plastics and wood products combine with water or water vapor to form weak acids.
These acids cause corrosion of electrical contacts and other surfaces.

Heat is the most obvious effect but the actual extent of damage can only be
determined by a careful evaluation of the temperature attained in the immediate
area. Electric motors and heating elements can withstand enormous amounts of heat
because they are designed to carry or dissipate it. However, electronic equipment
cannot be raised above 160 degrees Fahrenheit without permanent damage. This
includes televisions and stereos and telephone and alarm systems as well as
computers and office equipment.

Water causes almost no damage to electronic circuitry. In fact, printed circuit
boards are usually cleaned in water during the manufacturing process. However, most
water is highly conductive because of contaminants. Only deionized water is
nonconductive. A wet computer, or any other electronic instrument, should never be
powered on or the risk of electrical damage is very high. Additionally, contaminated
water leaves behind mineral deposits. These are conductive salt based compounds.
Electrical power on the new unwanted conductive paths made by salts and water can
cause damaging short circuits. At the very least they can reroute electrical
signals, causing errors in performance.

Insurers will be conducting analysis of the damage as it becomes evident. Proper
decontamination protocols may "save" many items that would otherwise be declared as
damaged or in need of replacement.

Saving the information stored on the computers disk drives will be financially and
emotionally invaluable to many families and businesses.

Also, salvaging much of this equipment for reuse is also "green" and will save
thousands of cubic yards of waste in landfills.

About JT Krisnick Ltd.
JT Krisnick Ltd. is a nationally recognized consultant to the insurance and legal
professions. The company was started in 1997 by Douglas Kristof, an electrical
engineer with over 20 years of experience in catastrophic loss and claims analysis.
Doug has been called to assist in many natural disasters including the 1994
California earthquakes and Hurricane Andrew. JT Krisnick's services include
analysis for extent of damage, restoration, replacement, and ACV determination.
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Contact Details: 5482 Glasgow Place
Columbus, OH 43235
Phone (614) 457-4765 or (614) 571-3953
Fax (614) 457-5265
skrist01@columbus.rr.com