No one really ever thinks about the fact that live current is always present in your house wiring. We take it for granted. It’s simply been that way pretty much since Thomas Edison. We expect building codes to keep us safe, we don’t question it.
However, there is technology that reverses the way electrical outlets work. They are called EFCI’s (Electrical Fault Circuit Interrupters). EFCI’s are sometimes also called intelligent outlets because EFCIs register electrical devices and then turn on current. In other words, current only runs when called for. This reversal of current flow should prevent one of the leading causes of house fires: faulty wiring in combination with constantly present current. No current – no fire.
Young children who commonly want to stick their little fingers into outlets are also more protected since no current is present in the lines unless activated by a device. These are compelling reasons why insurance companies will likely demand the implementation of smart power outlets into building codes.
As technology enters our homes and changes a lot of ways, it is conceivable that EFCI technology will be an integral part of smart homes in America over the next 5-10 years. Homeowners with pending home improvement projects might want to get ahead of the curve, perhaps even ask their home insurance companies about policy discounts.
Homeowners have one more reason to adopt EFCI technology into their home building projects: The very fact that electricity is only run on demand creates energy savings and it is this facet that makes EFCI’s important green building products.
Just think about the millions of homes, offices and industrial facilities that today are constantly drawing electricity – electricity that could be saved! Here is a more elaborate presentation by John LaGrou. See for yourself!