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
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CONTACT:
Brett Brenner of ESFI, +1-703-841-3296,
Brett.Brenner@esfi.org
