What Is Flashover and Backdraft?

Flashover vs. ... A backdraft is an air-driven event, unlike a flashover, which is thermally driven. Backdraft is usually defined as a deflagration resulting from the sudden introduction of oxygen into a ventilation-limited space containing unburned fuel and gases.

Are flashover and backdraft the same thing?

3 A backdraft is an “air-driven event,” unlike a flashover, which is temperature driven. ... The room's contents are at their ignition temperature and will erupt in flames when oxygen is introduced, and the hot gases will ignite with explosive force.

What happens in a flashover?

Flashover is a thermally-driven event during which every combustible surface exposed to thermal radiation in a compartment or enclosed space rapidly and simultaneously ignites. Flashover normally occurs when the upper portion of the compartment reaches a temperature of approximately 1,100 °F for ordinary combustibles.