As Homes Age Electrical Fires Increase

Older Homes at Greater Risk to Electrical Fire

ARLINGTON, Va., July 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Hazards commonly

found in older homes are increasingly causing fires and fatalities in the

United States. Home electrical problems account for nearly 55,000 home

fires every year. These fires cause over 500 deaths, injure more than 1,400

people, and account for $1.4 billion in property damage. Older homes are at

even greater risk of fire. A report released today by the Fire Protection

Research Foundation highlights the fact that aging homes in the United

States can be protected by taking a few simple steps and by bringing

electrical components up to date.

The report closely examined the electrical systems of 30 older homes in

the U.S. – documenting potentially hazardous conditions in those homes. The

study showed that real dangers can exist and often remain hidden in the

electrical systems of older homes. The vast majority of those hazards were

caused by improper installation and maintenance and a failure to meet

proven safety provisions found in the National Electrical Code(R) (NEC(R)).

Some of the specific problems identified in the report included poorly done

electrical repairs, worn out wiring devices, and misuse of extension cords.

The potential for hazardous electrical conditions is increasing as

Americans put more and more of a burden on the electrical systems in older

homes. According to the US Census Bureau, half of the homes in the United

States were built before 1973. These homes and electrical systems were

built before many of the appliances and electronics that we use today

became common. This includes more than a third of US homes which were built

before hair dryers or electric can openers were even invented.

“As each year goes by Americans are using more energy in their homes,”

says Brett Brenner, President of the Electrical Safety Foundation

International (ESFI). “Many homes and electrical systems in the US are

simply being overburdened leading to fires, deaths, and injuries.”

As a result of the report, the Foundation strongly encourages

homeowners to have their homes’ electrical systems thoroughly inspected by

qualified electricians, ensuring that all electrical work in the home meets

the safety provisions in the NEC(R).

“When people buy a home, they have no idea what kind of electrical work

has been done in the past or if that work was done by someone qualified to

perform the task,” notes Brenner. “But today’s report clearly found that

Americans can take steps to prevent many of these electrical fires from

occurring.”

This month, ESFI is providing consumers with a checklist which will

allow consumers to identify electrical dangers commonly found in each room

of their home. ESFI will also be educating owners of older homes on newer

fire prevention technology such as Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs).

These advanced electronic circuit breakers detect dangerous conditions in a

home’s wiring and cut off power to the circuit before a fire develops.

More information and resources relating to electrical safety in older

homes can be found at

http://www.electrical-safety.org

. The complete Fire

Protection Research Foundation’s report can be found at

http://www.homewiringsafety.com

.

SOURCE Electrical Safety Foundation International