Top Ten Wiring Hazards

jtedesco1 · January 4, 2006, 6:52am

My Red Bold at No. 1:

I believe this list can be extremely useful and should be made available for distribution. NACHI’s Baltimore Electrical Seminar (my first one) was attended by representatives from the NASFM www.nasfm.org

They sent NACHI a letter that was posted somewhere on the old site - where?

Top Ten Wiring Hazards Threaten Life and Property

October 2004

Electric power can be a friend … or a foe. Power outages and blackouts remind us how everyday life suddenly becomes primitive without electricity. If not properly handled, electrical power also poses a threat to individual lives and property. It can deliver a lethal jolt to a human body, or burn a home to the ground. It is called electric “ power” for a reason.

If electricity is to be our friend then it is necessary to safeguard against certain hazards. Correction of these hazards could prevent many deaths, injuries and cases of property damage. In the interest of assuring that electric power remains our friend, the Copper Development Association (CDA) has developed its own “Top Ten List of Electrical Hazards in the Home.”

Arranged in the popular way, CDA’s Top Ten list is as follows:

Overloaded or damaged extension cords. This is an all-too common cause of fires.

Excessive attic temperatures. Larger diameter wires should be used to accommodate hot attic temperatures. Avoid bundling of wires as they pass through framing holes, since heat cannot be dissipated easily in such situations.

Failing aluminum wiring connections. Many homes built in the 1960s and 1970s are exposed to this hazard. Check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Electrical Safety Publication #516 “Repairing Aluminum Wiring” (www.cpsc.gov)).

No GFCI in bathrooms or kitchens, outdoors, or near swimming pools. The ground fault circuit interrupter has no doubt prevented many electrocutions. However, some early-vintage units were faulty and need to be replaced.

No AFCI’s in critical areas. The arc fault circuit interrupter is a relatively new device that can prevent fires.

Not enough branch circuits and outlets. Consumption of electricity is rising in American homes. Be sure there are enough branches to deliver power to new appliances and electronics. And get rid of those extension cords in number 10 above.

Fuse or circuit-breaker misuse. Wrong fuses, or by-passed fuses, are dangerous. Also, overloading can occur if circuit breakers are not set to trigger properly, according to the load capacity of the wiring. Also, just because your house has “modern” circuit breakers, don’t assume they’ll last forever. Consider replacing them if they’re old.

Non-grounded or improperly polarized plugs and outlets. Grounding and polarization were introduced as safety features. Don’t try to bypass them.

Wire gage insufficient for loads. When in doubt, upgrade to 10 or 12 gage wiring. And the Number 1 wiring hazard in homes today:

1. Old wiring. This can take the form of bare or frayed wires, crumbling insulation or faulty switches. Nothing lasts forever, including electrical insulation. Homes more than 40 years old are especially susceptible.

The best way to safeguard against electrical hazards is to have a professional electrician install, inspect and — if necessary — upgrade your wiring. The National Electrical Code published by the National Fire Protection Association provides detailed specifications on the safe use of electricity, primarily for use by electricians, and this Code is generally adopted as law by state and local governments. The National Association of State Fire Marshals (www.nasfm.org) and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (www.esfi.org) also provide sound advice and useful updates on the safe use of electricity. If you have any doubts about the wiring in your home, call a professional electrician, who knows the Code and will make sure your wiring is done right.

You can also visit the CDA’s Building Wire section for more information about residential electrical wiring.

Courtesy: www.copper.org

jtedesco1 · January 4, 2006, 7:15am

The NACHI Safe House Campaign.

Update: Safe House Campaign launches its own website! http://www.safehousecampaign.com
The United States Fire Administration, part of the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), and the NACHI Foundation (a registered charity) have teamed up to create a national safety awareness program, The NACHI Safe House Campaign.
The NACHI Safe House Campaign was kicked off on March 20, 2004 with the NACHI Foundation’s donation of smoke alarms for the hearing impaired. The spectial alarms, retailing at over $150 each, were given to needy families. The event was done in partnership with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office and their planned Spring Into Action Day.
“Our plans include creating a fire safety inspection training for our members, creating a home safety training class to take to the communities, a home safety checklist for our inspectors, and NACHI’s Occupant Hazard Recognition Primer.” said Daniel R. Frend, Director of The NACHI Safe House Campaign.
The Campaign also just released a thirty second Public Service Announcement by radio personality Johnny Contino. Mr. Contino then donated his fee, less union dues, back to the NACHI Foundation. This PSA, to be played on radio stations around the country, encourages people to check the batteries in their smoke alarms after changing the time on Sunday, April4, 2004.
Some facts: Each year fire kills more people in the US than all natural disasters combined. At least 80% of all fire deaths occur in residences. In 2001, not counting the events of September 11, fire cause $10.6 billion in direct property loss. Seniors over 65 and children under 5 have the greatest risk. A working smoke alarm doubles the chances of surviving, yet 52% of fire fatalities were in homes with NO Smoke alarms.

For more information on the campaign or for information on how to make fully tax deductible donations to this project, contact Daniel Frend at dan@nachifoundation.org
Daniel R Frend
Director of The NACHI Safe House Campaign

http://www.safehousecampaign.com
NACHI member discount on Sure Test Circuit Analyzers with Arc Fault Test.
NACHI’s smoke detector PSA played accross America’s radio stations.
NACHI’s Occupant Hazard Recognition Primer.
National Association of State Fire Marshals thanks NACHI trainer.

jtedesco1 · January 4, 2006, 7:16am

National Association of State Fire Marshals thanks NACHI Trainer Joe Tedesco.

April 20, 2004
Dear Mr. Tedesco:
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), I would like to express our appreciation for your commitment to fire prevention and fire safety on behalf of your organization, the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).
Our representative, Walt Smittle, reported that you provided him a unique opportunity to participate in your electrical code seminar this past weekend in Baltimore, Maryland. We were extremely pleased to receive a full hour on your agenda and, on such short notice.
Your active and enthusiastic support of home electrical safety plays a crucial role in maintaining the arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) requirement in new homes.
NASFM is a small organization involved in a large number of ambitions fire safety initiatives. Our ability to assist the state fire marshals in their mission to save lives depends on the combined commitment and strong involvement of both the fire services and groups such as the home inspectors in each state.
Once again, the Board thanks you for helping to initiate a relationship with NACHI and look forward to the many opportunities to partner for fire safety.
Congratulations and best wishes for continued success!
Sincerely,

James A Burns
President, NASFM
cc: Board of Directors
Bert Polk, Chair, Electrical Fire Safety Working Group
Walt Smittle, NASFM Special Representative
Nick Gromick, Executive Director of NACHI
Daniel R. Frend, Director of The NACHI Safe House Campaign.

NACHI offers free electrical training for home inspectors.
NACHI partners with Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).
NACHI’s smoke detector PSA played accross America’s radio stations.
NACHI’s Occupant Hazard Recognition Primer.

Pierre_Belarge · April 22, 2006, 10:18pm

Joe
I have been reading through some of the old posts and came across this thread.

I believe the number 1 wiring hazard in the entire country is:

Miswiring by people (mostly people performing electrical work who really have no clue of how the safety part of the system [effective ground fault current path])performs. There is too much work installed today that does not qualify as even substandard.

I also believe this is going to lead to more “actual” electrical fires, and deaths in the future as these systems become more and more prevalent.

gbeaumont · April 22, 2006, 11:07pm

Agreed, this is by far the most hazardous condition that home inspectors come across.

Regards

Gerry

jtedesco1 · April 23, 2006, 9:47am

woe is me … and … this will not get ANY better, all the experience gained by the true mechanics can now be purchased on-line for a fee or for free on some boards and the DIY IS GOLDEN WHEN THEY DO THE WORK THAT MAY NOT BE SO SAFE!

NYC? You gonna say that I can’t do the work? Gun in back pocket in the projects!

YES I AGREE

jtedesco1 · September 2, 2008, 12:26am

bump