HOME SAFETY DEVICES

HOME SAFETY DEVICES

Fuses: - Fuses are built as a safety measure if extra current flow through a circuit.

Fuses consist of a thin metal strip (made of copper or zinc) that keeps the connection open.. when current exceeds the maximum current allowed within that fuse it will get overheated and melt the metal strip . The destroyed metal strip breaks the connection and stops current flowing through.

Fuses protect the appliances from electric power surges and overheating which is one of the main causes of electric fires. The fuse can be replaced after one fault.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters: - Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s) are use to detect any irregularity in electric system and it react very fast to cut off the power.

A GFCI works by comparing the output current on the neutral side to the input current on the hot side for any leaks (that could be caused by human interference). They can detect  the smallest difference, even as low as 4 milliamps.

When detecting an irregularity in the system, the GFCI will trip and interrupt the circuit within 10 milliseconds, cutting off the power and prevent the appliances, the GFCI do not need to be replaced after every electric fault.

Arc Fault Circuit Breakers:-  AFCI’s is a special type of electrical safety device.

Normally circuit breakers detect faults when the current exceeds the maximum rated value; there are faults that occur when this value is not reached. An electric arc fault occurs when a current flows through an air gap between conductors. These can be caused by dust or corrosion on the surface of the conductor, poor installation of the system, or normal wear and tear of the parts.

AFCI’s measure the chopped current wave as opposed to the heat which GFCI’s are unable to do. If an irregularity is detected the AFCI will trip and break the connection, preventing an electric fire.

Surge Protectors:-  These electrical safety devices protect our home and appliances from sudden spikes in electrical current.

Surge protectors provide protection against sudden increases in current flow.

Surge protectors (or surge suppressors) are more expensive than extension cords/power strips but it protects the appliance at higher end electrical appliances, we would highly recommend purchasing a surge protector.

Tamper Proof Receptacles:-A tamper-proof receptacle (or tamper-proof outlet) opposes an electric current to flow through an electrical wall outlet unless all slots are activated simultaneously.