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Electrical safety is extremely important in order to avoid home fires.[/big_title]
Every year, with technological advances, we continue to use more and more energy in our homes. Our electrical systems, however, especially in older homes, can become outdated, and can become unable to handle the demands of today’s electrical appliances and devices. Electrical safety is crucial in preventing home fires.
The statistics are staggering. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in an estimated 46,500 home fires in 2010. These fires caused 420 deaths, 1,520 injuries, and $1.5 billion in property damage. And fire is not the only danger. Thousands of children and adults are critically injured and electrocuted annually from electrical hazards in their own homes. (source: http://www.nfpa.org/)
At Tim Kyle Electrical Service, we strongly recommend incorporating the most recent improvements in technology into your home to help reduce the risk of fires and electrocutions.
Any electrical equipment that sparks, gives out small shocks, frequently short circuits, or has frayed wires is not safe to use and must be fixed or replaced. If any wires are sticking out from the wall or ceiling, do not touch them. Always have a licensed electrician inspect the wires first, especially if they seem to be damaged.
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The good news is that recent improvements in technology are definitely helping to prevent accidents and damage. [/big_title]
These improvements have been so strong that in 2008, the National Electrical Code (NEC) significantly increased requirements for AFCI and TRR protection in all new homes.
A few of the essential improvements are:
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
–An AFCI is a new type of circuit breaker which recognizes fire hazards and immediately shuts off the power. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Healthy Homes report lists lack of AFCIs among the primary residential hazards associated with burns and fire-related injuries.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
–A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or Residual Current Device (RCD) is a device that shuts off an electric circuit when it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path, including through water or through a person, used to reduce the risk of electric shock. It works by measuring the current leaving the hot side of the power source and comparing it to the current returning to the neutral side. If they are not equal, this means that some of the current is flowing along an unintended path, and the GFCI shuts the power off. GFCIs have saved thousands of people from electrocution over the last three decades.
Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs)
-Tamper resistant receptacles feature an internal shutter mechanism to prevent small children from inserting foreign objects into them. These specialized outlets have been so effective in preventing injuries to children that the National Electrical Code requires that tamper resistant receptacles be installed in all newly constructed homes.
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About Tim Kyle Electric
Tim Kyle Electric has been delighting our customers with responsive, trusted and professional electrical services since 1986. We provide residential, commercial and solar power services and are experts in our field. Our team of professionally trained employees uphold our core values of honesty, respect and integrity. We are available 24/7 for your electrical servicing needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss your next electrical project.
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