|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Protect Your Home From Fire
Avoid electrical issues
ARLINGTON, Va. -- Every day in the U.S. 150 homes will start on fire because of electrical issues. Homeowners can take steps to prevent thousands of these fires each year says the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
As part of its campaign this year, the foundation is helping consumers to identify and correct electrical fire hazards commonly found in homes. One safety device highlighted in this year's campaign is being touted as the biggest innovation in decades for preventing electrical fires. These devices, known as Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters or AFCIs, are advanced electronic circuit breakers that detect dangerous conditions in a home's wiring. When a problem is detected, these devices immediately cut the power to the circuit before a fire can start.
"In addition to saving lives, use of AFCI technology in the US will reduce the number of home fires by over 30,000, and prevent nearly $750 million in property damage each year," notes Brett Brenner, President of ESFI.
While the recently released 2008 National Electrical Code(R) now requires combination AFCI protection to be included in all new homes constructed, the final decision is left up to individual states to adopt the new Code into law. However, not everyone is excited about the new code. Code adoption is becoming more of challenge as homebuilders are attacking several of the important fire prevention and safety features added to the new Code, including AFCIs. Homebuilders claim that the new safety features will make homes too expensive. In actuality, the additional cost is estimated to be $300-$400 for the average new home.
"It is a small price to pay for decades of fire protection," points out Brenner.
|
|
|
|
|
