I wonder if an AFCI breaker such as what is expected to be required in the 08 NEC would have prevented this tragedy. I realize the primary culprit is the unapproved extension cord. Still, it seems to me that as the insulation melted away, an arc is ultimately caused the fire.

Agree?

These incidents are always sad because they could have been easily prevented. Here are a few thoughts: 1. Label extension cords to specifically say they are for temporary use only. Perhaps lighter-duty cords could also carry explicit warnings to not use them with heating equipment or major appliances. 2. Start a safety campaign in the schools to make people aware of the risks. This could be included in science classes. Everyone should know that electrical current causes heating in wiring, and that too much load can cause a fire. 3. Fused plugs might also be a good idea.

Another sad tragedy that could have been avoided, but due to a lack of understanding in regard to voltage and load etc it was not. I commented on this in the article on Unapproved extension chords and maybe oneday we might see positive action taken in this area. My suggestions are:

1) All extension chords to be a minimum of 12# 2) All extension chords to have a legitiemate safety certificate. 3) All retailers are to only accept those chords with legit safety certificate signed by the highest electrical authority in the land, and accepted by other world wide electrical organisations such as the IEE etc, not forgeting the marine industry and organisations such as VERITAS and LLOYDS OF London etc. 4) All extension chords to be sold with an instruction pamflet explaining clearly how to use it and the maximum number of items with examples that can be connected to it.

I know that my suggestions would make the item a bit more expensive, but then how much is a loving family worth? How much does it cost to pick up the peices after such a terrible tragedy? To me it would be worth it to put these suggestions in place.

One other suggestion is to come up with a standard set of rules accepted worldwide and signed by all electrical governing bodies not only the big guys but in major industrialised countries as well. This set of rules will be much like the ROHSS rules that are now governing the Electronic industry today. That way maybe we can stop the inflow is below standard electrical products from developing countries and the like.

And finaly any retailer found to be selling below standard extension chords is to be penalised for doing so only after having recieved notifcation of the legal implications for selling below standard products, without excuse.

What do you think.

It is a sad shame about the extension cord fire. And many times I have heard ignorance about conductors. Many times i have heard a person say the cord is U.L. listed for 600 volts. So my cord is safe. But they do not know the maximum current that the cord should carry.

I am angry about your e-mail on bad extension cords. It is a crime to put in much smaller conductors than are supposed to be there. And U.L. and the federal government should bring charges against the company. Because as responsible electricians and the N.E.C. says we can only use listed and labeled devices from an accredited labratory. I do not see U.L. approving such defective conductors, because they where undersized.

I also believe there should be a warning label on the cords. One that any literate customer could under stand. Like this cord is good for one small appliance. like lighting devices having stickers saying do not put anything bigger than a specified wattage or a risk of fire.

I also feel that all retailers should know about these defective extension cords. Because a knowlegable salesperson could say the 14 awg. cords can safely carry 15 amps. So the customer than thinks they can safely use the cord, when in reality they can not.

I also feel that all retailers should know who sold the bad cords. So they can ship them back to the supplier.

Would an AFCI prevented this tragedy? If the 16 gauge cords were ungrounded, then from what I understand about AFCIs, an AFCI would have made no difference. The series part of the device could not work leaving only the parallel part which would need a considerable amount of amperage to kick.

I am a Fire Marshal and former electrician, We see the extension cord problem all the time. I see a serious need to EDUCATE the gereal public on this particular issue, although you can not be everywhere all the time. It would be great if someone could design a cord that would protect against overcurrent or build them like underground primary cable where it has not option but to short to ground when damaged and include fuses or breaker like christmas lights?????

So sad, Yet it's done everywhere. People think they can keep plugging stuff in as long as there is an outlet available.

Mike

Is there anywhere to go to find lists of such bad products? I seem to recall that the CPSC had a big list of computer UPS units that would spontaneously self destruct like the tape machine at the beginning of the old "MIssion Impossible" TV show.

I'm going to go home and pitch a few old extension cords and power strips after work now.

yes is so true ampacity of does equipment heat too much do cord and they dot have enof resisten to hold dat heat plus you are not supos to load a recepticle more that 80 %