Florida Building Commission unanimously voted against a proposal that would have blocked a device used to stop electrical fires in kitchens and laundry rooms from being required in new homes.
The device, an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI), detects dangerous arcing in wires and shuts down electrical systems before fires can start.
Joseph Belcher, of the Florida Home Builders Association, said the device seems impractical and expensive. Without it, he said, homeowners could save $200 for each unit. Because it could cut off electricity while people are away, it would spoil food, he added.