Minnesota fire safety experts are calling for tougher electrical safety codes for new construction.
An administrative law judge will soon decide whether the state can adopt the 2008 National Electrical Code.
It would require builders to install a new kind of circuit breaker, called an arc fault circuit interrupter.
The device detects dangerous levels of electrical current caused by faulty or damaged wiring and then shuts the power off.
Under the 2008 code, the new breaker would be required for any new construction.
"Tragically, each year electrical fires are to blame for over 360 deaths nationwide. More than 100 injuries?these tragedies could easily have been prevented," says Cari Williamette, president of the Minnesota chapter of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors.
There will be a public hearing Tuesday in front of an administrative law judge in Saint Paul. The judge will ultimately have to decide whether the state electrical board can adopt the national code.
The Builders Association of Minnesota argues the new breaker device won't prevent all electrical fires.
Officials there say it will increase home builders' costs.
The association is hoping Minnesota will at least exempt buildings that have sprinkler systems from requiring the device.
(Copyright 2008 by KARE. All Rights Reserved)
