Scott,

I worded the subject line the way I did to call attention to your post and the fact that you are the owner of Vision Products. I appreciate the post and the e-mail I received from you regarding this issue. Your e-mail to me was more specific than your post here, perhaps if you are able, could you go a little further in your explanation and where your conclusions came from.



I'm an electrical contractor, a friend is the chief electrical inspector here and he also teaches the continuing education courses contractors take to keep their licenses active. I have spoke to him about this. He doesn't think that GFI outlets would be of much help. I'm sure everyone has seen GFI outlets, they are in bathrooms and other locations around water, they have the reset buttons. My friend feels that arc fault circuit breakers are what would sense this type of electrical problem. I believe arc faults are also available in outlets and not just breakers, the supply house I deal with is checking availability of outlets. The breakers are used now in all new homes for living areas such as bedrooms and living rooms. They are designed to sense an "arc" just as the name implies. They are designed for sensing shorts and knicks in two wire cords such as lamps, alarm clocks and other typical small electrical devices, even power strips, heat tape or cable. If the old saying "You get what you pay for" applies here, arc fault circuit breakers must be pretty good. A normal single pole breaker is $5, an arc fault breaker is $80. When I learn more, I'll share the info.

[ Show Entire Thread ]