The Facts About Electrical Safety

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Fighting Electrical Fires - Before They Happen

According to data collected from fire departments across the country, “electrical distribution and lighting” is a leading cause of fires in homes. On a year-to-year average, “electrical distribution or lighting equipment” causes 13,100 of all structure fires in homes, resulting in 140 civilian deaths, 580 civilian injuries and $340 million in property damage.

This data, provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other sources through the National Fire Incid ent Reporting System, is a compelling call to action. However, officials also recognize that listing “electrical distribution equipment” as a cause of fires is not specific enough to help them combat the problem.

One organization trying to improve on this is the Travelers Insurance Company. According to John Machnicki, vice president and director of the company’s Engineering Laboratory in Windsor, Connecticut, “A key function of our lab is to investigate how fires are caused.”

The lab has focused on the vulnerability of aging electrical systems as a cause of home fires. Failures in older electrical outlets are among the ignition sources Machnicki’s group has investigated. When these receptacles fail, molten metal and high-temperature gases are frequently ejected from t he outlet, causing nearby bedding, furniture or other lightweight combustibles to ignite. Tests by the lab have demonstrated that these failures occur within the receptacle itself and can happen even when fixtures are not plugged into an outlet. However, the researchers have yet to determine
the exact cause of this type of failure.

Older, not better
Electrical systems in older homes are more susceptible to failure than those in newer homes, Machnicki says, adding that “The risk of fires goes up with the age of the home.” This elevated risk is partly because the wiring in older homes is generally insufficient to accommodate the electrical demands of modern living.

In addition, age takes its toll on electrical components, causing wire insulation to become brittle and connections to degrade, both of which can lead to fires. In older homes, it’s also common to see poor electrical workmanship done by unqualified homeowners, which also creates conditions that can result in fire.

Machnicki advises homeowners to hire a qualified electrical inspector to examine their electrical systems for hazards. He points to a document released by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), in cooperation
with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Canada Safety Council, which recommends inspections for all homes 40 years and older, for homes 10 years and older with major renovations or new appliances added, and for homes that have been resold.

The study also warns homeowners to have their homes inspected if they experience problems with the electrical system, such as dimming lights or frequent circuit breaker interruptions. Machnicki notes that electrical systems, like other parts of a home, require periodic inspection and maintenance to operatesafely and effectively. Unfortunately, many homeowners have their systems inspected only after something goes wrong. HP

First-of-its Kind Study Assesses Electrical Risks and Hazards in Older Homes

Study reveals most hazardous conditions caused by poor installation or maintenance

Quincy, MA. — (July 1, 2008) — A groundbreaking new study, just released by the Fire Protection Research Foundation, reveals that potentially hazardous electrical conditions can exist and often remain hidden in older homes, and may only be identified during a thorough electrical inspection conducted by a qualified electrician. The study also shows that the vast majority of potentially hazardous electrical conditions identified are a result of a failure to meet well recognized, proven safety code provisions and failure to properly install or maintain electrical equipment.

The first-of-its-kind study closely examined electrical systems and devices from 30 older homes in 10 states across the United States. The majority of homes in the study ranged in age from 25 years to more than 90 years. Two of the homes were more than 100 years old. This is the first such study to look within and "behind the walls" of older homes and assess the electrical risks and hazards present. Previous studies have shown the frequency of fires in home residential electrical systems has been disproportionately high in homes more than 40 years old.

"Electricity is one of the leading causes of home fires in the United States," said Jack Wells, Chair of the Foundation’s Technical Advisory Committee that has been working on the study. "Every day we put more and more of a burden on the electrical systems in our homes. Because of poor installation or maintenance, some older homes just are not capable of handling that burden. We hope this study will show homeowners the importance of having older homes inspected and, if needed, repaired by qualified electricians."

The Fire Protection Research Foundation’s study examined each home’s wiring and electrical systems, along with specific devices. After examining the homes, key electrical system elements (receptacles, service entrance panels, lighting fixtures, junction boxes, etc.) were collected and sent to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) where detailed laboratory analyses were conducted. These analyses examined how the elements performed after years of service in the field.

The findings of the study included:

Some older equipment and wiring appeared well-maintained, performing effectively and safely, but other older homes had dangerous electrical conditions.
Some older "knob-and-tube" and rubber insulated wiring failed testing that was conducted with high voltage levels, especially after being subject to bending.
Service panels in most of the homes surveyed had one or more significant safety problems due to aging, improper installation, or misuse.
Circuit breakers that were not properly installed in boxes for their intended application (e.g. outdoors) showed signs of corrosion, insect infestation, or other potentially serious problems.
Some of the electrical receptacles examined in the lab failed an important test which measured how hot the receptacle may get under certain conditions.
Lighting fixtures in several houses showed evidence of potentially dangerous conditions including: improper installation; frayed or damaged wire insulation; improperly grounded boxes; and use of improper wiring and bulbs.
A large percentage of older homes had improperly installed or maintained wire splices and junction or outlet boxes.
A small but significant number of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) did not test and function properly. Most of those that did not function had been installed improperly.
Many of the homes had potentially dangerous electrical conditions that did not comply with the current safety provisions of the National Electrical Code® (NEC®). In addition, many of the problems identified in this study did not comply with the NEC® that was in effect at the time the homes were built or remodeled.

The study reveals that the vast majority of potentially hazardous electrical conditions in these older homes were caused by not only the failure to meet well recognized, proven safety code provisions found in the NEC®, but by the failure to properly install and maintain important electrical equipment. In many of the homes, the problems were directly related to the poor quality of electrical system retrofits or changes made after the homes were originally constructed.

"Homeowners can take simple steps to protect their homes and their families from electrical hazards," said Wells. "Have your home inspected by a qualified electrician who is looking specifically at the electrical system. Always use a professional electrician when you have electrical work completed and make certain the work complies with proven safety code provisions."

Based on the study, the Foundation also recommends that communities ensure all electrical work done in homes meets the safety provisions in the current edition of the NEC®. That code has been developed over time to provide the highest level of safety through practical, proven safety provisions.

To read the full study, or for additional information about electrical safety in your own home, please visit www.homewiringsafety.com.

Fire Protection Research Foundation:
The Fire Protection Research Foundation plans, manages, and communicates research on a broad range of fire safety issues in collaboration with scientists and laboratories around the world. The Foundation is an affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).