Summertime increases the demand for
electricity and raises the risk of fire in homes with older or damaged wiring systems. Air conditioning equipment, electric grills, and attic fans are some
of the seasonal appliances that can place added stress and strain on a home’s
electrical wiring and cause a potentially tragic fire.
Since electricity is uniquely unforgiving and can cause serious injuries or
death, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Electrical Safety
Foundation International are joining together to encourage consumers to protect
their homes from electrical problems.Between 1994 and 1998, the CPSC estimates that there were over 360,000 residential fires each year, of which over 123,000 were related to electrical
distribution or appliances and equipment, and another 15,000 were related to
heating and air conditioning systems. These electrical fires caused an
estimated average of 910 deaths, nearly 7,000 injuries and nearly $1.7 billion
in property damage each year. Many of these incidents could have been prevented
by having an electrical inspection of the house to find hidden hazards.
This summer, CPSC and ESFI are encouraging homeowners to: 1) have an electrical
inspection conducted for homes 40 years and older, for homes 10 years and older
with major renovations or new appliances added, or that have been resold; 2)
learn the potential hazards posed by aluminum wiring systems and contact CPSC
if your home is among the two million built with aluminum wiring between the late
1960s and early 1970s; and 3) consider installing arc fault circuit
interrupters in place of ordinary circuit breakers, especially if your home is
over 40 years old. AFCIs are new technology designed to prevent electrical
fires by sensing unseen electrical arcing. AFCIs are particularly important
where wiring may have degraded with age.
To learn more call one of our knowledgeable consultants (909)944-7248
We are here to help - Rancho Electrical and Lighting
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