Last year alone, more than 30,000 homes in the US alone were lost due to electrical fires. In addition, the U.S. Fire Administration reports that on average each year in the US:
- 26,100 home are lost due to electrical fires.
- 280 people die and another 1,000 are injured in electrical fires.
- $1 billion in property losses occur due to electrical fires.
What electrical hazards are lurking in your home?
While most of us simply assume that our home’s electric service is safe, many would be shocked to learn of the very real and potentially lethal electrical hazards in a majority of U.S. homes. While a few of these hazards may be obvious, such as improper use of extension cords or overloaded electrical outlets, the most common are often the least visible, such as:
- Incorrectly installed wiring
- Faulty electrical outlets or switches
- Overloaded circuits
- Outdated wiring
- Electrical systems that do not meet current electrical code
- Fuse boxes or breaker boxes insufficient to handle the home’s electrical system.
Although it is generally believed that only older homes suffer from these issues; in fact any home can possess any number of these deadly electrical problems behind their walls, in their basements or their utility rooms. Homes built before 2008 are at even greater risk as these homes were not required to use arc fault circuit breakers.
Arc Fault Circuit Breakers Making Homes Safer
As of January 2008 the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires the installation of Arc Fault Circuit Breakers in all “habitable” spaces within a home. Unlike conventional circuit breakers, which only respond to overloads and short circuits, arc fault circuit breakers are designed to detect unintended electrical arcs and disrupt the flow of current before the arc can cause a fire.
The Done Difference
At Done Electric, our main focus is ensuring your home’s electrical system is as safe as possible. It is this dedication to safety and our exceptional customer service that sets us apart from our competitors. Our skilled team of licensed and insured electricians can swiftly assess your home’s electrical system, identify any hazards and resolve them before they can do any damage. We only use arc fault circuit breakers in the homes we service and adhere to all federal, state and local electrical codes, safeguarding you and your family from the unseen electrical hazards that can result in disaster.
Whether it is installing or upgrading your homes breaker box or fuse box, installing kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor lighting, adding a whole home backup generator, protecting your home with a guaranteed whole home surge protector system or any residential electric service need, a Denver electrician with Done can make sure the work is done right from the start. Don’t assume that your home’s electric service is safe, enjoy the peace of mind of knowing it is.
