Until a transformer fire in Binghamton, New York in February 1981, there was little awareness that PCBs and their combustion products could pose significant health risks. As a result of this fire, it was discovered that smoke from electrical fire in equipment containing PCBs can yield a dark oily soot that is contaminated with PCBs, furans, and dioxins.  Additionally, the dioxin and furan combustion products are typically more toxic than PCBs.  As a result of at least 8 similar types of fires in the U.S. from1981 to 1984, and other similar fires across the U.S., the EPA addressed this previously unrecognized hazard with a regulation known as the PCB “Transformer Fires Rule”.

The “PCB Transformer Fires Rule” was published on July 17, 1985 (50 FR 29170). This rule amended portions of the Electrical Equipment Rule placing additional restrictions and conditions on the use of PCB transformers (concentrations of 500 ppm or greater) including:

• prohibiting the use of most network PCB transformers in or near commercial buildings after October 1, 1990;
• requiring installation of enhanced electrical protection on most network PCB Transformers and radial PCB transformers in use in or near commercial buildings by October 1, 1990;
• prohibiting further installation of PCB Transformers in or near commercial buildings after October 1, 1985;
• requiring the registration of all PCB Transformers with fire response personnel and building owners by December 1, 1985;
• requiring the marking of the exterior of all PCB Transformer locations and the removal of all stored combustibles located near PCB transformers, by December 1, 1985; and
• requiring owners of PCB Transformers involved in fire-related incidents to immediately notify the National Response Center and to take measures as soon as possible to contain any potential releases of PCBs or incomplete combustion products to water.