What is a key property of effective insulation materials in fire scenarios?

Effective insulation materials play a crucial role in fire scenarios primarily by limiting the transfer of heat and preventing fire spread. One key property of these materials is that they do not conduct electricity. This characteristic is critical because insulation that effectively stops the conduction of heat also minimizes the risk of electrical conductors igniting or causing further hazards in a fire situation.

Insulation that conducts electricity can become a safety issue during a fire, as it may lead to electric shock or additional fires if wires overheat. In contrast, materials that are non-conductive protect against these risks, maintaining safety not just in normal conditions but also under the extreme circumstances of a fire.

Additionally, other properties such as heat absorption and release of gases can lead to poor performance in fire conditions, but the ability to not conduct electricity stands out as a necessary safety feature of effective insulation materials in preventing additional hazards during a fire.