The low Voltage

Distribution Equipment section (LVDE) of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) annouced the publication of a white paper, urging builders, electrical contractors and anyone involved in residential construction to educate home buyers on potential life-saving devices.  One such device is the arc-fault circuit interrputer (AFCI), a relatively inexpensive yet effective safety measure to prevent electrical problems that cause home fires.  "While granite countertops, heated floors, custom-built kitchen cabinets and other luxury upgrades may generate a good return when it comes time to sell, homeowners should take a safety-first apporach and consider smart upgrades that actually protect their investment and potentially the lives of their loved ones" said Gerard Winstanley, LVDE technical program manager for NEMA.  According to Winstanley, education is a key step in the process, noting that many safety upgrades can be made to homes to counter the threat of fire hazards.  One importan area not to be overlooked is the home's electrical system.  "The tragic loss of human life and injuries resulting from home electrical fires is real, stressing the importance of makeing safety the No.1 priority when deciding on upgrades to incorporate into the building or remodeling process" Winstanley said.  "While functioning smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and emergency safety ladders increase a family's chance of escaping injury from an electrical fire, other potential life-saving technology such as AFCI's, can actually help to prevent fires from occuring in the first place."

For more information visit http://www.afcisafety.org/

Reprinted in part from source:

Electrical Contractor Magazine