Electrical hazards can potentially be deadly on their own, and on top of that, they are often accompanied by fire hazards as well. Given how intricately connected our homes are with electronics in this digital age, it makes sense to pay extra attention towards keeping your home and your family safe from the often-forgotten dangers of electricity. Let’s get started with the two prime circuit breakers that are crucial for ensuring electrical safety in residential buildings and commercial facilities alike.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
AFCIs are exceptionally useful when the anomalous flow is within the pre-set maximum value, but an air gap in between two conductors allows for what is known as an electric arc fault to occur. Arc faults can typically be identified by a visible arc flash, and they are responsible for most electrical fires. Since AFCIs work by measuring the actual current waves and not just the heat generated by anomalous electric exchanges in between inputs and outputs, arc circuit breakers can successfully and instantaneously interrupt the power supply and stop a fire from starting.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
The basic function of a GFCI is to cut the power supply to a circuit instantaneously (under 0.10 seconds), after detecting even a tiny current difference in between the hot side input and the neutral side output. Such anomalies usually signal a leak and the GFCI’s power breaking response saves countless lives across the world today. Do Not Consider AFCIs to be replacements for GFCIs, as they both serve two separate, but crucial purposes in maintaining electrical safety.
Tamper Proof Electrical Outlets
This one holds particular importance to any family that has children living in the house or apartment. Toddlers are in constant danger of electrocution from electrical outlets because of their natural inquisitive natures. The urge to poke fingers or jam something metallic inside live electric sockets is common in nearly every toddler, so tamper proof electrical outlets are a must to keep them safe. Some of these receptacles come with a sturdy cover on them to prevent children from tampering with the slots, but the best protection is offered by outlets which will not allow a live current to flow at any point, unless all slots of the socket are engaged simultaneously.
Given that only a properly fitting plug can do that, children will stay protected even if there is no one to stop them from tampering with an electrical outlet. You should be able to find tamper proof receptacles and everything else that you could possibly need to make your home safer for everybody on powerpointelectrics.co.uk.
Despite the complexity of electrical wirings, the increased number of outlets, and the significantly higher energy consumption needs of the average British home today, they are practically a lot safer than homes used to be even a decade or two ago. This is largely down to technological advances made in electrical safety, but widespread awareness has played no small role in making homes safer either. Hopefully, this post will be able to do a bit of the same for you and your family as well.