I'm exploring the idea of a compact fire safety system that could be installed around electrical outlets. This concept includes a temperature sensor to detect overheating, a relay to cut power to the outlet, and a self-contained fire extinguisher that activates right at the source. The idea is for it to work independently of the main breaker, be modular, affordable, and possibly DIY-installable. I want to stop electrical fires at the moment they start, right at the outlet. Has anyone seen something like this for residential use? It seems manageable and not overly complex or expensive to create.
3 Answers
Interesting concept, but I’m not convinced it’s practical. The added size and cost for each outlet could be huge, plus there’d be maintenance issues like re-certification to consider. A better option might be to have temperature-sensitive breakers that can cut the power if things get too hot without adding complicated mechanisms at each outlet. Let's keep safety simple!
Good point—maybe I’m trying to fix what isn’t really broken!
I'm all for new ideas, but I think upgrading to more efficient outlets might be the way to go. Old wiring or devices are often the culprits when it comes to fires, and a fire suppression system sounds like a lot of extra trouble for a problem that could be resolved with better design. Why not fix the actual cause?
Yeah, it looks like prevention might be easier than installing something complex at every outlet.
Exactly! Making sure everything is current and well-maintained can cut down on most electrical fire risks.
This is an intriguing idea, but I have a few questions. First off, how often do fires actually start at the outlet compared to the device plugged into it? Also, what would the costs be for retrofitting homes with this system? And how would people manage things like replacing the extinguisher? Maybe a simpler solution like using outlets with better safety features could be a more feasible approach?
You got me thinking about how these systems would really need to be practical for everyday users.
That's a lot of great questions! I think you're right; a lot of fire incidents happen due to problems with the devices rather than the outlets themselves.
Totally agree! There are already good solutions like AFCIs that protect against arc faults at the breaker level.