Frequently Asked Questions

Knob and tube wiring was installed in many homes built between 1880 and 1950. While this may not create an imminent threat, the wiring is old and has the potential to be dangerous. New electrical codes require tamper resistant (TR) receptacles and arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers. Old wiring will not readily support this technology.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are required by the National Electrical Code for certain electrical circuits in the home. An arc fault is an unintended arc created by current flowing through an unplanned path. Arcing creates high intensity heating at the point of the arc resulting in burning particles that may easily ignite surrounding material, such as wood framing or insulation. The temperatures of these arcs can exceed 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit.(courtesy of AFCISafety.org)

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or Residual Current Device (RCD) is a device that shuts off an electric power circuit when it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person. It is used to reduce the risk of electric shock, which can cause the heart to stop or cause burns. They can also prevent some fires, like when a live wire touches a metal conduit. (courtesy of Wikipedia)

To learn more about how GFCIs work, see this discussion from EC&M (Electrical Construction & Maintenance)

Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are the most important devices you can have in your home. They provide essential early warnings of a problem so you and your family can safely escape.

Vermont law has required smoke detectors (alarms) to be installed in single-family dwellings since 1994. Smoke alarms have been required to be installed in multi-family and rental dwellings for more than 30 years.

One common factor in most fatal fires is the lack of properly installed, and working smoke alarms. More than one smoke alarm is needed in most dwelling units to make sure that people can hear the alarm and have time to escape. Smoke alarms need to be properly installed, maintained and replaced when needed. (courtesy of VT Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety)