What a shame, 4 young children and mother are dead after a house fire in Newnan, Georgia. The fire originated in the electrical panel and the article says a smoke detector was found charred but not sure if it operated properly or not. Could have been prevented and I can tell you right now that with today's technology and code, this never would have happend.
First things first, regardless of the panel. Panel is the most expensive thing to fix, so many wont. The number 1 thing that should have been done was hardwired and interlinked smoke detectors/Carbon Monoxide throughout the home, 1 Smoke in each bedroom and a Smoke/Carbon in the hallways and I can almost guarentee you their lives would have been saved. Maybe not the house but atleast their lives would have been. They won't say it but I already know that smoke detector was not working. Or if it was,, somehow they could not hear it or hear it in time. They need to be checked regularly, usually every month, "nobody does". This is why the new Smart/WiFi smoke detectors are amazing, they can alert you instantly if there is an issue. Usually recommended that they are replaced between 7 and 10 years. Since debris accumulated around the sensor after so many years and not to mention wear and tear effecting the life expectancy of the device.
A regular checkup of the electrical panel by an electrician could have possibly prevented the fire. An electrician who knows what they are they doing, has the ability and knowledge to more then likely detect if an issue is present just by diagnosing a panel and can give proper recommendations that will help prevent house fires. For instance, they should be able to determine if
Loose Connections
Proper torque terminations or NOAX present
Overload Issues present or not.
AFCI breakers present or not. Now AFCI is not required on pre existing electrical in homes that are considered grandfathered in, but they are highly recommended regardless of grandfather clause. They have cut house fires in half around the country since being implemented.
These are are some great house fire preventer tips for anyone and anyone looking to install smoke detectors or have and electrician inspect your electrical. Please feel to call or text Harper Electrical Contractors at 678-615-4560. Anytime. God Bless our community and this family. Stay Safe out there. 🙏
Comments