www.ecao.org 14 J MODERNIZING HOMES June is National Electricity Month in Canada. This is a momentous cause, given how much Canadians depend on electricity to power their lives at home – from appliances that provide convenience, to electronics and other modern technology that offer comfort and entertainment. While these technologies offer plenty of benefits, they also place high demand on electrical systems at home, potentially causing serious safety risks. In step with National Electricity Month, Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) is launching a series of campaigns to remind homeowners about the importance of modernizing their electrical systems to support the power that runs throughout their home. Technology advancements for safety at home Electrical manufacturers have developed proven technologies that safeguard today’s homes. Electrical safety devices such as arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) provide heightened protection by detecting potentially-hazardous arc-fault and quickly cutting off power before a fire starts. The increased demand that modernized technology places on today’s electrical systems makes arc-fault protection in homes an essential part of a modernized infrastructure. In fact, the Canadian Electrical Code requires all new home builds to be AFCI code-compliant; arc-fault circuit protection must be installed for 125Vac, 15A and 20A circuits supplying receptacles throughout the home (with some exceptions). This extends beyond branch circuit wiring by safeguarding all cords that are plugged into the receptacles. AFCIs are designed to protect against both high current (parallel) and low current (series) arcing. However, the Code does not mandate existing homes to have arc-fault protection, except when adding a new branch circuit or receptacle(s) to an existing branch circuit. This causes some concern for safety. Arc- faults are known to be a significant cause for electrical fires in homes. In Ontario alone, an estimated 1,500 fires caused by electrical loss1 were reported over the past five years, resulting in an average of six fatalities per year2 . The electrical failures or malfunctions are largely attributed to the misuse of devices, wiring, outlets, etc., or to the use of uncertified, refurbished, and/or counterfeit products. 1  Electrical loss refers to incidences involving some type of electrical failure or malfunction as a factor contributing to ignition. 2 https://www.esasafe.com/assets/files/esasafe/pdf/Safety_Reports/ ESA_OESR_2017_Final.pdf Electrical Safety Matters MODERNIZING HOMES WITH TECHNOLOGY TO POWER A CHANGING WORLD By Swati Patel, Director of Research & Communications, Electro-Federation Canada