Fire Risk in Older Homes and What to do About It

If you live in an older home, you are at an increased risk of house fire due to electrical mishaps. Homes that are older than 40 years are especially at risk.

As homes age, so does the electrical wiring. It can become frayed, loose and generally worn out. One of the main causes of electrical fires in older homes is an arc fault. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), arcing faults are responsible for more than 30,000 home fires each year.^₁ The good news is that with the right technology, you can significantly decrease your risk of experiencing a fire due to an arc fault.

The ESFI has released a short video explaining what an arc fault is and what you need to do to prevent them. Click the video below to view the whole thing; we have summarized the main points for you.

An arc fault happens when electrical current jumps (arcs) between wires, and this can cause a fire. It may happen when an electrical cord is pinched (by a piece of furniture) or pierced by a nail inside the wall. It can also happen if an appliance cord is cracked.

The solution is to install Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI).

AFCI’s recognize arcing conditions and terminate electricity before a fire occurs.

Click the video below to watch the whole presentation by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)

If you are interested in having AFCI’s placed in your home, contact your local electrician. And in the meantime, consider installing a professional fire detection system by Best Security Products. Using smart technology, you can have up-to-the minute fire monitoring so you can rest easy at night.

Give us a call for a consultation; we can design a custom system to meet your unique needs and budget.

We are looking forward to talking with you! 1-800–988–2378 or sales@bestsecurityproducts.com

¹ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-SBly_2bPQ