Branch Circuit Testing
Branch circuit wiring and testing practices are primarily code driven with little thought as
to why such stringent requirements are necessary. But these practices are necessary to
ensure safe and efficient branch circuits. Hidden problems within a branch circuit can
result in fire, electrocutions and equipment failure.
Fires
Based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the US Consumer
Product Safety Commission data, there was an estimated 406,000 residential structural
fires in 1997, resulting in an estimated 3,390 civilian deaths and 17,775 injuries.
Approximately 9% of the structural fires and 7% of the deaths were determined to be the
result of the electrical distribution system. Residential fires were by far the biggest
problem, accounting for 97% of all structural fires and 87% of deaths.
1
The most common cause of residential electrical fires is problems within the branch
circuit wiring. These problems resulted in 14,600 fires, 420 injuries and 110 deaths in
1997.
2
1
Fact Sheet on Fire in the US and Canada, National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 1997
2
1997 Residential Fire Loss, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1997
250136040,300Total
10
350
160
320
420
Injuries
104,600
Other
309,900
Lamp, light Fix.
104,900
Switch, Outlet
906,300
Cord, Plug
11014,600
Installed Wiring
DeathsFiresElectrical
Distribution
250136040,300Total
10
350
160
320
420
Injuries
104,600
Other
309,900
Lamp, light Fix.
104,900
Switch, Outlet
906,300
Cord, Plug
11014,600
Installed Wiring
DeathsFiresElectrical
Distribution
Testing for safe and efficient branch circuits
Written by Chad Reynolds, Product Manager,
IDEAL Test and Measurement Division
To Next Page
Need help?
General
