Arc occurrence information stored in blockchain utilized as evidence in electrical fire cause forensic investigation

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation announced that they have jointly established a "blockchain-based electrical fire ignition point analysis support service" with SK Telecom.

Currently, when electrical fires occur, the ignition cause is analyzed using photographs, drawings, and inquiries; however, most evidence is destroyed by the fire, making it difficult to identify the ignition point. This has led to frequent legal disputes regarding liability among building owners, tenants, and property insurance companies, resulting in significant social costs.

If objective data related to the accident existed, it would facilitate root cause identification; however, it is currently difficult to find cases of relevant data collection, and even when collected, securing legal evidentiary value for such data is not straightforward.

The "blockchain-based electrical fire occurrence point analysis support system" established this time records arc occurrence information—which accounts for 80% of electrical fire ignition patterns (6,033 cases in 2016)—in a blockchain, enabling such information to serve as objective evidence material in subsequent electrical fire root cause identification.

To identify the floor where the arc occurred, IoT-based arc sensors installed in electrical distribution panels on each floor of the building collect arc occurrence information and transmit it wirelessly at 5-minute intervals, which is then recorded in a blockchain participated in jointly by the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, the National Fire Agency, property insurance companies, and others.

Given that blockchain allows participants to jointly validate and retain data, ensuring that data has not been forged or altered, arc occurrence information stored in the blockchain can be applied to this system to serve as objective evidence in electrical fire cause assessment and forensic investigation.

This pilot project, which began in April of this year and targeted 10 locations including commercial buildings, residential buildings, traditional markets, temples, and livestock facilities, will be expanded to 20 locations next year. Furthermore, the related agencies plan to analyze the outcomes of this pilot project and examine expansion to major buildings nationwide.

Choi Young-hae, Internet Convergence Policy Director at the Ministry of Science and ICT, emphasized, "Through this pilot project, we have confirmed that blockchain can be effectively utilized in disaster and safety sectors," and stated, "We will continue to expand support so that blockchain technology can be disseminated across various industrial sectors."