Arc-Fault Breakers
Was your home built before 1999? If so, read this...
Why Does My Home Need Arc-Fault Breakers?
Simply to protect against arc-faults, which can very easily turn into electrical fires. In 1999 and 2002 the National Electric Code (NEC) made a code change taht required arc fault breakers be installed for bedroom circuits in ALL new homes. Since the technology was not required on most homes built before 1999, we recommend adding them to ensure safety and protection to your home.
What Is An Example Of How Arc-faulting Could Happen?
For Example: In a home where wired were stapled too tight to the wood, over time the energy flowing through the wire may start to arc with the metal staple which will create enormous amounts of heat possibly causing the wood that it is staple on to catch fire.
If you have any questions please feel free to call us, we love to answer your questions!
What Is An Arc-Fault?
An arc-fault is an unintentional discharge of electricity in a circuit. Arcing exists in two basic varieties:
Natural, or normal arcing - occurs when a light is switched on or a vacuum cleaner or any motor driven appliance is turned on.
Unsafe arc-faults - occur either as series or parallel faults in wire, electrical devices or connected loads.
Arcing faults can reach extremely high temperatures upwards of 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Causes An Arc-Fault?
Arc-faults may occur anywhere in the home's electrical system as a result of:
- Worn electrical insulation or damaged wire
- Misapplied or damaged pug-in appliance cord and equipment
- Loose electrical connections
- Accidentally piercing electrical cable behind drywalls with drill bit, nail, or screw
- Hammering electrical cable staples too tightly into studs during rough wiring
- Natural again and cord exposure to heat vents, sunlight, or foot traffic
What Are Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI's)?
When unwanted arcing condition id detected, an AFCI de-energizes the circuit, and reduces the potential for a fire to occur.
Traditional circuit breakers are only intended to respond to overloads and short circuits. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI's) are an effective means of preventing severe electrical shock by detecting loss of current in a circuit, but do not protect against arcing conditions that produce erratic current flow. An AFCI provides a new level of protection not offered by either of these devices.
For More Information Please Read Below Or Click The Following Links:
Government Site: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/afci.html
An Article About Smoke Detectors:
What You Need to Know
The Impact of Smoke Alarms
In the 1960's, the average U.S. citizen had never heard of a smoke alarm. By 1995, an estimated 93 percent of all American homes - single - and multi-family, apartments, nursing homes, dormitories, schools, etc. - required that alarms be placed in all new and existing residences - existed in 38 states and thousands of municipalities nationwide. And smoke alarm provisions have been adopted by all of the model building code organizations.
Fire services across the country have played a major and influential public education role in alerting the public to the benefits of smoke alarms. Another key factor in this huge and rapid penetration of both the marketplace and the builder community has been the development and marketing of lost cost alarms by commercial companies. In the early 1970's, the cost of protecting a three bedroom home with professionally installed alarms was approximately $1000; today the cost of owner installed alarms in the same house has come down to as little as $10 per alarm, or less than $50 for the entire home. This cost structure, combined with effective public education (including key private-public partnerships), has caused a huge percentage of America's consumers, whether they are renting or buying, to demand smoke alarm protection. The impact of smoke alarms on fire safety and protection is dramatic and can be simply stated. When fire breaks out, the smoke alarm, functioning as an early warning system, reduces the risk of dying by nearly 50 percent. Alarms are most people's first line of defense against a fire.
In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning signal to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape.
Why should my home have smoke alarms?
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. they are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal -- so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety features you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family and your home.
Okay, where do I put them?
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside the sleeping area.
Also, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling ot 6 to 8 inches below the ceiling on side walls. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
How do I keep my smoke alarms working?
Smoke alarms are very easy to take care of. there are two steps to remember.
- Simply replace the batteries at least once a year.
Tip: Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day. some smoke alarms now on the market come with a ten-year battery. these alarms are designed to be replaced as a whole unit, thus avoiding the need for battery replacement. If your smoke alarm starts making a "chirping" noise, replace the batteries and reset it. - Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.
What if the alarm goes off while I'm cooking?
Then it's doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved to a new location.
How long will my smoke alarm last?
About eight-to-ten years, after which it should be replaced. Like most electrical devices, smoke alarms wear out. You may want to write the purchase date with a marker on the inside of your unit. That way, you'll know when to replace it. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacement.
Anything else I should know?
Some smoke alarms are considered to be "hard wired". This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery back-up. It's improtant to test every msmoke alarm monthly. And always use new batteries when replacing old ones. For any other questions regarding smoke alarms, please contact us today, "We love to answer questions".
