SAFETY AROUND THE HOME |
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(NAPSI)-You can help to keep your family from being part of a disastrous statistic: There are 67,000 home fires a year caused by faulty electrical systems. Fortunately, there are new safety technologies, such as arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI), that can prevent fires. These devices detect problems in damaged wiring and stop the flow of electricity before a fire can start. The Problem Arc faults can occur for many reasons, including: • Worn electrical insulation; • Misapplied or damaged plugs on electrical cords; • Loose electrical connections; • Drill bits, nails, staples or screws driven into wires behind the walls; • Furniture pressing against electrical cords; • Broken or frayed wires. Arc faults can happen in old or new homes and usually occur at low power levels that can’t be detected by a traditional circuit breaker. If you’ve ever plugged an electrical cord into an outlet and seen bluish sparks, you’ve seen an arc. An Answer Because arc faults often occur behind walls, they can go undetected for many years. For many homes, the compact Combination Type AFCI from Siemens provides a new line of defense against arc faults. A modern electrical protection system also includes circuit breakers and load centers, ground fault circuit interrupters and surge protection devices. Each of these products is designed to protect people and their possessions against different electrical dangers. Further Measures Four other ways you can help protect your home from fires: 1. Install smoke detectors and check them regularly. 2. Place a fire extinguisher on every floor in the home. 3. Keep combustible materials away from heat sources. 4. Check exposed wiring and cables for wear and damage. Replace if needed. Learn More To learn more about ways to protect your family, you can order a free Whole House Safety Kit from www.sea.siemens.com/wholehousesafety or (800) 964-4114. The kit includes an article on Whole House Safety, a refrigerator magnet with a home maintenance checklist, a pocket guide and an educational CD-ROM. With this kit you can learn how to protect your family from fire in your home. |
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