Electrical Development in Huntington
By David M Haught, CHI

HOME "HEALTH" & SAFETY TIP : The Holliday season is upon us and it is time to remind Home Owners of the electrical dangers inherent in holiday decorations. Remember Don't overload receptacles by plugging in too many strands of lights. Instead purchase a power strip with a built in 15 amp breaker. If you are going out for the evening turn make sure the tree lights are off. Get out your fire extinguisher and check the gauge for a good charge . Use only UL listed lights and only use lights designed for exterior use outdoors. All outside lights should be plugged into a GFCI receptacle. If you are running an extension cord from inside you should purchase a cord with a built in GFCI breaker.

While we are discussing electrical safety, let's discuss electrical system development in your home. Most home owners are glad when the electric works and call the utility company when it goes out. Even more feel the electrical system that came with the house still works. Why fix it, if it's not broke?

When electric power came to Huntington, homeowners replaced dangerous gas lights and oil lamps with electric lights. Homes were wired using ceramic knobs and tubes to run wire throughout the house. Electrical demand was limited to lights and maybe a radio. During the fifties electrical demand increased dramatically. Radios were replaced with televisions and electric stoves, refrigerators, and clothes driers were commonplace. The third grounding wire was added in the sixties. Unfortunately between 1964 and 1978 aluminum branch wiring was introduced without sufficient testing. The problem occurred when copper devices were used with aluminum wire causing resistance, heat and fire. Today copper branch circuits are used. After much research current electrical codes now require safety devices. GFCI (ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) are required in the bathrooms, kitchen, in garages, in unfinished basements, and all outside receptacles. Code now requires AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters) in all bedrooms.

Today electrical demand has increased exponentially; one of the largest increases is in your child's bedroom. Today kids have computers, sound systems, DVD & CD players, televisions, video games, modems, printers, scanners hair dryers, curling irons and more.

Updating your electrical system, may be an important safety step to take and one that will add value to your home.