Minimize fire problems
due to Aged Electrical
Wiring Systems
In October 2006, the NFPA co-sponsored the Aged Electrical Systems Research Application Symposium at the Crown Plaza O’Hare in Chicago. The focus of the symposium was aging residential electrical systems and the implications for electrical initiated fires.
It is estimated that 70% of the 100 million homes in the U.S. are over 20 years old; 50% at least 50 years old. Each year as many as 32,000 fires in homes are associated with electrical distribution equipment. These fires result in more than 220 deaths, 940 injuries and between $650-700 million dollars in property damage.
The question addressed at the symposium was, “What is the safe service life of electrical components and wiring in homes, and when should they be replaced?”
One of the presentations at the symposium, “Fire Safety Options in Design and Code Practices to Minimize Fire Problems Due to Aged Electrical Wiring Systems”, made by Tim Arendt, the former Chief Electrical Inspector of the City of Chicago’s Building Department, addressed this and other issues.
Fire Safety Options in Design and Code Practices to Minimize Fire Problems Due to Aged Electrical Wiring Systems
(Click here) to view Mr. Arendt’s presentation
Chicago's Solution to Aged Wiring
This short video shows the quick, inexpensive replacement and upgrading of aged wiring and circuits in a 50-year-old home. While this is a residential application, the concept also applies to commercial, high rise and industrial complexes. If electrical wiring and conductors are installed in steel conduit, their replacement — whether it's in five years (as systems, tenants or needs change) or 25 years-- will be easy and inexpensive. Just pull out the old, pull in the new. Replacing aged wiring is just one more good reason to use steel conduit.
(Click here) to view. (File size: 10.7 mg)
