Why Dual Function Circuit Breakers Are Safer

Why Homes Need Dual Function Circuit Breaker Protection

Today, our dependence on electricity is increasing, and we are expecting more out of our home’s electrical system. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, half of the homes in use in the United States were built prior to 1973, before many of the electronics and appliances we use today were even invented. Unfortunately, our increased demands for energy can overburden an older home’s electrical system causing fires or electrocutions.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for arc fault protection also continue to expand. The NEC now requires protection for bedrooms, family rooms, living rooms, dens, home offices, and other similar rooms. Square D™ by Schneider Electric™ Electrical Distribution System provides reliable protection against electrical hazards in the home that may have gone undetected in years past.

Electrical Fires and Older Homes

More than 30,000 electrical fires occur in homes every year, resulting in hundreds of deaths, injuries, and more than a billion dollars in property damage. Many electrical fires occur in aging homes. Electrical fires can be devastating and lethal since they often occur when we least expect them, and in locations that may be hidden from view.

Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing Electrical Fires

Fire Statistics Support Using AFCIs

Electrical fires are a significant issue. The NFPA Home Electrical Fires Fact Sheet indicates that wiring and related equipment were involved in 63% of electrical fires and half of the associated deaths in 2007-2011. Frequently, it is argued that fires only occur in older homes. However, new homes become older homes. It is critical to install the AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters) during construction so that they can protect homes from the start. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recommends promoting AFCIs as one of the many devices that can be used to prevent burns and fire related injuries, and cites the 1999 CPSC Report recommending the use of AFCIs to "prohibit or reduce potential electrical fires from happening."

More to Learn
Visit AFCISafety.org

* The Federal Government, the National Fire Protection Association, and US fire departments track the incidence of electrical fires across the United States and categorize those fires based on their causes. Source: US Home Structure Fires 9/16 NFPA Research.

Know the Code Specifications

There are only 6 approved ways provide AFCI protection on a circuit. Do you know the code? See the National Electrical Code (NEC) specification .

Code Adoption Map

Learn more about which code is in effect in your state or jurisdiction. Visit the Electrical Code Coalition for more detailed information.