AFCI Receptacle helps prevent electrical fires.

Pass & Seymour AFCI Receptacle Increases Home Safety, Protects Against Electrical Fires Caused By Arc Faults

SYRACUSE, N.Y. Legrand, a leading provider of electrical wiring devices and home systems, today announced the availability of its new Pass & Seymour Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Receptacle.

Aimed at the residential market, AFCI Receptacles protect against electrical fires by detecting arc faults and de-energizing the circuit.

AFCI protection is required by the National Electrical Code. AFCI Receptacles are a convenient method to meet code and protect many of the circuits in the home against electrical fires.

In 2013, the Fire Analysis and Research Division at the National Fire Protection Association stated that an estimated 47,700 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2011 involved some type of electrical failure or malfunction as a contributing factor to the ignition of these fires. Consequently there were 418 civilian deaths, 1,570 civilian injuries and direct property damage to the value of $1.4 billion.

An electrical fire can have catastrophic consequences for all involved, said Bill Timmons, marketing manager of residential products for Legrand Electrical Wiring Systems. Our new P&S AFCI Receptacle not only increases electrical safety in the home, but also provides significant benefits to contractors who install these devices.

AFCI receptacles do not have to match the circuit breaker box brand like AFCI circuit breakers need to. They fit into any wall box in the living area of a home. Contractors no longer need to carry a variety of AFCI circuit breakers on their truck, they can carry a smaller and more streamlined inventory of AFCI Receptacles and always have the right product available.

Homeowners benefit because they no longer have to deal with the confusion of the circuit breaker box. The AFCI Receptacle is conveniently situated in the living space, making the indicator light immediately visible if there is a problem. If necessary, the homeowner can easily RESET the device and conduct a regular TEST at the recommended intervals from the comfort of their living area. Contractors can also install AFCI receptacles with confidence and ease, knowing that there will be minimal callbacks from the homeowner, saving them time and money.

The device also has feed-through protection and is tamper-resistant. Its automatic and patented shutter system prevents children from inserting objects such as hairpins or keys.

The P&S AFCI Receptacle has a ground terminal back-wire for fast installation and an auto-ground clip assures a positive ground to metal box. The device is high-impact-resistant and its thermoplastic construction provides superior strength and durability. It takes #14-#10 AWG stranded or solid, copper or copperclad conductors. Two back-wire holes per termination add wiring flexibility and not only eliminate pigtailing, but also save box space.

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AFCI Receptacle helps prevent electrical fires.