Eaton Highlights Potential Hazards Behind the Walls for Homeowners During National Fire Prevention Week

Date: October 12, 2016

PITTSBURGH, PA — Power management company Eaton, an EPA 2016 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year, is highlighting electrical hazard warnings for homeowners during National Fire Prevention Week, October 9 to 15. By addressing potential electrical hazards behind their walls, homeowners can help reduce their risk of electrical fires, which cause approximately $1.3 billion in property loss each year.

“Arcs and sparks caused by loose connections or damaged wires contribute to approximately 51,000 home electrical fires each year, but are usually hidden out of sight behind walls,” said Rachael Elliott, director, Marketing, Eaton. “From the service entrance to the wall plate, Eaton’s residential products do more than reliably connect and manage electrical loads, they are designed to help protect homeowners from electrical hazards – particularly those they can’t always see.”

Arc faults are high power discharges of electricity between conductors. In a residential environment, this discharge translates into heat, which can break down the wire’s insulation and possibly trigger an electrical fire. Some of the top inadvertent causes of arcing faults include:

• Nails. The nail from a picture or flooring can puncture wire insulation.
• Construction. During construction, wires may be pinched or punctured.
• Wall plug or wall switch. Either can be a hazard if improperly installed with loose connections.
• Furniture. Wire insulation may be damaged when furniture is pushed up against or rests on a cord.
• Doors. Opening and closing a door on a wire can puncture or damage insulation or extension cords.

Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers and receptacles are designed to detect arc faults and turn off power before an arc causes a fire, unlike standard breakers and fuses. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates more than 50 percent of electrical fires can be prevented by AFCIs.

For more information about Eaton’s electrical safety solutions or to find a certified electrical contractor, visit www.eaton.com/residential.

Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services. Eaton is positioned through its global solutions to answer today’s most critical electrical power management challenges.

Eaton is a power management company with 2015 sales of $20.9 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 95,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

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