Safety and alarms in the home

ECI Publication No Cu0256
Available from www.leonardo-energy.org
WHITE PAPER
SAFETY AND ALARMS IN THE HOME
energy.org
HITE PAPER
THE HOME
Guy Kasier
March 2017

Publication No Cu0256
Issue Date: March 2017
Page i
Document Issue Control Sheet
Document Title: Safety and alarms in the home
Publication No: Cu0256
Issue: 01
Release: Public
Content provider(s) Guy Kasier
Author(s): Guy Kasier
Editorial and language review Carol Godfrey
Content review:
Document History
Issue Date Purpose
1 March
2017
Initial public release
2
3
Disclaimer
While this publication has been prepared with care, European Copper Institute and other contributors provide
no warranty with regards to the content and shall not be liable for any direct, incidental or consequential
damages that may result from the use of the information or the data contained.
Copyright© European Copper Institute.
Reproduction is authorized providing the material is unabridged and the source is acknowledged.

Page ii
CONTENTS
1. Introduction................................................................................................................................................ 1
2. Safety of the electrical installation.............................................................................................................. 2
2.1. New Build.........................................................................................................................................................2
2.2. Older homes ....................................................................................................................................................3
2.2.1. Safety..............................................................................................................................................3
2.2.2. Functionality...................................................................................................................................4
2.2.3. An IHS installation ..........................................................................................................................4
2.2.4. Negotiations ...................................................................................................................................4
2.3. DIY or DDIY?.....................................................................................................................................................4
3. Lightning and overvoltage protection ......................................................................................................... 5
3.1. Direct lightning strikes.....................................................................................................................................5
3.2. Overvoltage protection....................................................................................................................................5
3.3. What needs protection and how?...................................................................................................................6
3.4. Sensitive Loads protection...............................................................................................................................6
4. Smoke detectors......................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1. Evacuation .......................................................................................................................................................7
4.2. Cheap DIY examples ........................................................................................................................................7
4.3. Cabled detectors..............................................................................................................................................7
4.4. A detector network..........................................................................................................................................7
4.5. Smoke detectors for the kitchen and bathroom .............................................................................................8
5. carbon monoxide (CO) detectors ................................................................................................................ 9
6. Burglary protection and presence simulation ........................................................................................... 10
6.1. Organisational measures, structural protection and electronic protection..................................................10
6.2. Connection to an Integrated Home System (IHS)..........................................................................................10
6.2.1. Energy saving................................................................................................................................10
6.2.2. Presence simulation .....................................................................................................................11
6.2.3. Sound and light display ................................................................................................................11
6.3. Cameras.........................................................................................................................................................12
6.3.1. Types and usage ...........................................................................................................................12
7. Useful links ............................................................................................................................................... 13

Page 1
1. INTRODUCTION
This white paper is one of a series of thematic white papers covering various aspects of electrical installations
in houses, flats and residential units. They are aimed at architects, designers, specification writers, decision
makers and students.
Occupants need to feel safe and protected in their home. The home space ought to be a place of rest and
relaxation – it shouldn’t be a place where occupants feel they are constantly at risk. However, statistics show
that the home environment is precisely where so many accidents occur. Often the cause is the irresponsible
and improper use of equipment – hedge trimmers, knives, step stools and ladders, hob burns, etc. In these
cases the victim is often the one responsible for the accident. However, the home itself can also be a
dangerous place. A poorly constructed electrical installation can lead to electrocution of the occupants,
sometimes with fatal consequences. A fire can also occur due to poor cabling.
In this white paper we look at a few aspects of safety in the home. Not only is the electrical installation
considered, but also smoke detectors, CO detectors, overvoltage protection, door and window contacts, the
burglar alarm system and the connection to the Integrated Home System (IHS), cameras and presence
simulation.

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2. SAFETY OF THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
2.1. NEW BUILD
With a new build we can assume that the electrical installation is safe, provided it has been installed by a
professional electrician. After all, they must comply with many installation requirements and they themselves
can be held responsible if an accident or fire is caused by a poorly constructed electrical installation. In many
European countries an inspection must also be carried out by an independent organisation before the
installation may be put into use.
Once again, however, it’s not as straightforward as that. In addition to the installation itself, its functionality
must also be in order for it to be called a safe electrical installation and we will explain why. A lack of sufficient
electrical sockets, for example, will in practice lead to the occupants finding solutions themselves, by using
multiway adapters and extension leads. These are not unsafe objects if they are used wisely, but therein lies
the problem. If there are insufficient electrical sockets, then multiway adapters are connected to one another,
sometimes forming a real adapter tangle. Extension leads with distribution boxes can also be used incorrectly
by connecting devices to them that consume far too much energy. The extension lead will get too hot and
possibly melt. The risk for this to happen is even greater when an extension lead is tucked away under a carpet
as the cable can no longer dissipate its heat into the air.
Figure 1: Multiway adapters and extension leads should not be used. The only correct way to
proceed is to provide enough electrical sockets in the home (Photo source: Photobucket)
An additional danger of extension leads running along the floor is that people can trip over them and fall. This
can cause fractured wrists, legs and hips, especially with older people, to say nothing of visible bruising and
injured pride.
For the above reasons, we can say that providing sufficient electrical sockets in all of the home’s rooms will
increase safety.

Page 3
Figure 2: This is probably too much of a good thing, but better one electrical socket
too many than one electrical socket too few in the home. (Photo source: Fotolia)
2.2. OLDER HOMES
When purchasing an existing home it is advisable to have the condition of the electrical installation thoroughly
checked. In certain European countries, an inspection must be done by an independent organisation so that
the potential buyer can be made fully aware whether the installation is safe. However, such a report says
nothing about the potential or functionality of the installation. Certainly in older homes there is a high risk that
the installation does not meet the expectations of the future occupants, and in many cases it won’t satisfy the
current safety requirements either.
The following elements have to be considered concerning the electrical installation when purchasing an older
home:
2.2.1. SAFETY
The safety of the installation must, of course, take priority. Electrical sockets and switches or distribution boxes
that are discoloured (from brown to black) must definitely be replaced. In addition, it is useful to check what
type of cabling is used on the distribution board. In older houses the wiring often still has rubber insulation
but, over time, this insulation perishes, becomes hard and disintegrates.
Figure 3: If the installation presents characteristics shown in the above photos, rewiring
of the entire installation is needed. (Photos source: Blunts, This, Switchboardrus)

Page 4
Sometimes thinner wires are used than are the standard today. When using modern household appliances,
there is a risk that the wiring will get too hot and, over time, this may result in faults or even cause a fire.
Furthermore it must be checked that there is a general and sensitive residual current device in the installation.
Fuses are really a thing of the past, which is why replacing them with automatic circuit breakers is a sensible
course of action. At the same time, a check must be made as to whether good earthing is in place, and
whether this is connected to all electrical sockets and lighting points.
2.2.2. FUNCTIONALITY
We now use more electrical appliances than we did 30 years ago so is the home’s electricity connection
suitable for this? If not, then a connection with a higher rating will need to be requested.
As has already been touched on in relation to new builds, sufficient electrical sockets and lighting points must
be available so that multiway adapters and extension leads are not necessary. If a new kitchen is being
installed, then updating the installation at the same time is also recommended, even if it is just to get the
electrical sockets in the right place.
Consideration also needs to be given to cabling to the windows (roll-down shutters), to the terrace (sun
blinds), and additional cabling for the doorbell/intercom system, outside lighting and motion detectors, and a
computer network with outlets for smart TVs, the network printer and computers. Cables for radio and
telephone complete the set.
2.2.3. AN IHS INSTALLATION
For a complete renovation, the installation of an Integrated Home System (IHS) is certainly not an unnecessary
luxury. It doesn’t just mean greater comfort and safety (we will come back to this later), but energy
consumption will also go down and the installation will have much greater flexibility. The functions can be
adjusted at any time to the requirements of the current or any future occupants. The value of the home will
also increases as a result of an IHS installation.
2.2.4. NEGOTIATIONS
After examining the condition of the installation, an estimate can be made of the costs for a badly needed
renovation. These costs can be considered when negotiating a reduction of the purchase price.
2.3. DIY OR DDIY?
There are times when we all think we are the best
driver on the road, but that can sometimes work
against us. In a similar vein, many people think that
they are good electricians and attempt a DIY repair for
an electrical job. However, we support the DDIY
philosophy (Don’t Do It Yourself). Working with
electrical components is too dangerous to be done
hastily or without experience. Using an approved
electrician will of course be more expensive, but in
return you are guaranteed safety, and that is truly
priceless.
Figure 4: You do not just make a light fitting yourself.
At any rate this one is perilous. (Photo source: All Points Inspection)

Page 5
3. LIGHTNING AND OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION
Every year, on average there are three lightning strikes per square km in Western Europe. In some regions it is
somewhat less, in others rather more. But whatever the case, it remains a dangerous weather phenomenon
causing annual fatalities and enormous material damage.
Figure 5: Nice to look at, but very dangerous. (Photo source: Dehn)
3.1. DIRECT LIGHTNING STRIKES
In certain cases – for example, isolated homes in a field or on top of a mountain or hill – the risk of a direct
lightning strike to a home is greater than average. External protection is then provided in the form of copper
conductors connected to earth but this must always be supplemented by internal protection of the electrical
installation. To this end, what is known as lightning protection is fitted at the start of the electrical installation.
In the event of a lightning strike, this device guides the tremendous overvoltage away into the earth.
Nevertheless, too large a residual voltage still remains that is hazardous to all kinds of electrical equipment.
For that reason overvoltage protection (central protection) must be fitted after the lightning protection to
reduce the peak residual voltage to a level that is acceptable for electrical devices.
3.2. OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION
Most homes do not need lightning protection as the risk of a direct lightning strike is generally small. However,
if it does happen, it goes without saying that significant damage will be done to the home and the electrical
installation. This risk is generally covered by a fire insurance policy.
In the event of a lightning strike on the ground, a funnel with large potential differences forms in the ground.
This is called an indirect lightning strike and the diameter of the funnel can be a few km. This is the reason why
cattle can be killed at a distance of 1 to 2 km from a lightning strike, for example, because the potential
difference between their legs is too great. People are regularly advised to keep their feet together on the
ground during severe weather accompanied by lightning.
Indirect lightning strikes also induce too great a potential difference in electrical equipment. Sometimes the
equipment breaks down immediately, or the lifetime of the electronic components is otherwise seriously
reduced. However, it is very difficult to prove to the insurance company that such a device no longer works, or
will not last as long because of an indirect lightning strike. As a result, the insurance does not generally cover
the costs.
The solution to this is fitting overvoltage protection at the start of the electrical installation as this reduces the
potential difference across the equipment to an acceptable level.

Page 6
3.3. WHAT NEEDS PROTECTION AND HOW?
All cables entering the home need protection. In concrete terms, that means the cable for the 230V grid
voltage, the coax cable and/or telephone cable for television, satellite and the internet. The solar panels also
have to be protected. Manufacturers have developed specific products for each of these subsystems.
Overvoltage protection is installed at the beginning of the equipment circuitry, usually in the switchboard. This
consists mostly of modules that can be plugged into a DIN rail. A green or red window signals whether the
protection is operational or needs replacement.
Most devices are connected to both the mains supply and the coax or telephone system. Hence, it makes no
sense to protect only one of the subsystems. The television, for example, will not be protected by only
providing the 230V cables with overvoltage protection. The coax cable must also be protected. The same
applies to the telephone switchboard and computers.
Figure 6: This type of overvoltage module protects electrical devices in the home. (Photo source: Dehn)
3.4. SENSITIVE LOADS PROTECTION
At 275V, the residual voltage can sometimes still be too high for certain devices that contain sensitive
electronic components. In such a case sensitive loads protection (Type 3) can be installed and this is usually
incorporated in a power strip. There are also models which protect not only the 230V cable but also telephone,
coax or network cables. These can be useful for protecting telephone switchboards, fax machines, network
printers, computers and televisions.

Page 7
4. SMOKE DETECTORS
It is estimated that around 5,000 people die in the EU from fires in and around the home. Around 10 times as
many people are injured by them. Approximately 80% of fires occur inside the home.
4.1. EVACUATION
In the event of a house fire it is important that the occupants can leave the home as quickly as possible as a
swift evacuation reduces the number of casualties. Smoke, especially in the early stages of a fire, is particularly
dangerous. Smoke inhalation is both the direct and indirect cause of most deaths when a fatal fire occurs.
Smoke detectors are an essential means of sounding the alarm for everyone inside the home – whether they
are asleep or not.
4.2. CHEAP DIY EXAMPLES
Cheap smoke detectors are equipped with a 9V battery which lasts a few years. When the battery is running
low, the detector emits a few audio signals, which are repeated with a certain regularity. However, the
occupants are not always home. It can also happen at night so the occupant then has to get up and replace the
battery, if a spare is actually available. It often happens that a new battery is not installed with the result that
the home is no longer protected.
4.3. CABLED DETECTORS
For new builds and thorough renovation projects, it is better to install detectors with a 230V power supply.
They contain a backup battery so that the detector will still work when the power fails. However, the
appropriate wiring must be taken into account in the design of the home.
Figure 7: Smoke detectors at specific locations in the home can save lives.
(Photo source: Schneider Electric)
4.4. A DETECTOR NETWORK
A number of detectors can be installed in a wired or wireless network, which then communicate with one
another. When one detector triggers an alarm, it sends a signal to the other detectors, which in turn go to
alarm condition. In this way, the chance is much higher that everyone in the home is alerted (even at night)

Page 8
and can leave the home promptly. At that time it is not important where the fire is as evacuation must take
priority.
Some smoke detector models also have an output contact that closes when the alarm is signalled. This contact
can be passed on to a module, for example, that sends a text message to the telephones of the occupants.
However, the contact can also be connected to an IHS system’s input module. In the event of an alarm the IHS
system can respond appropriately by, for example, switching off non-priority equipment (washing machine,
heating, etc.), switching on lit routes (to facilitate evacuation), and if possible sets the sound system to a high
volume.
4.5. SMOKE DETECTORS FOR THE KITCHEN AND BATHROOM
Vapour and mist forms on a regular basis in the bathroom. Something similar occurs in the kitchen, where
cooking often produces smoke and visible steam. Traditional detectors will respond and sound the alarm,
which is not pleasant when dinner is still cooking on the kitchen range and the chicken in the oven is still
begging for its brown crust! These types of room are best equipped with detectors that are able to execute a
double measurement. On the one hand, they detect smoke and, on the other, they measure temperature.
Both detections need to be ‘true’ before the alarm goes off.

Page 9
5. CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) DETECTORS
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless and tasteless gas, which means that people cannot detect its
presence. CO poisoning can lead to loss of consciousness, muscle weakness and, finally, death. In the home,
CO is generally released by an open combustion process (open gas burners, coal and wood fired stoves, older
central heating boilers and hot water boilers, etc.).
A CO detector constantly measures the CO concentration in the air. Depending on the level of this
concentration over a certain time, the detector will trigger an alarm. The seriousness of CO poisoning is
determined not only by the level of CO concentration, but also by the time that the person is exposed to this
concentration. A good CO detector alerts the occupants in good time so that they can open windows and get
themselves to safety. Some models also have a small display indicating the CO concentration.
CO detectors offer greater safety, but do not eliminate the cause of the CO production. The correct installation
of burner units and the regular maintenance of these units and the exhaust can reduce accidents. However, a
temperature inversion of the outside air can also prevent the combustion gases from being removed properly.

Page 11
Figure 8: Such window contacts are built into the window or door. (Photo source: Aliexpress)
6.2.2. PRESENCE SIMULATION
For the organisational measures we have seen that the home must give the impression of being occupied and
this is where the IHS system can help. When leaving home the occupant activates the alarm system using the
keypad. This passes on a signal to the IHS system, which in turn starts a presence simulation. In practice this
means that lights are switched on or off at certain times, the roll-down shutters are lowered when dark and
raised when light. If desired, the television can also be switched on in the evenings (if visible from the outside).
At night, lit pathways can be created along a corridor from the bedroom to the bathroom to give the
impression that somebody has got up to go to the toilet.
Figure 9: Presence simulation helps prevent a break-in. (Photo source: Niko)
6.2.3. SOUND AND LIGHT DISPLAY
Nevertheless if a break-in does occur, a link to the IHS system can be an advantage. At the time of a break-in,
the uninvited guest is hyperaware of sights and sounds. He (or she) watches if any lights come on, and listens
for any sounds of people present (footsteps on the stairs for example). By passing on the alarm signal to the
IHS system, the lights are all switched on and the roller shutters will open. As a result he/she can be seen from
the outside and will therefore not stay in the home for long. The ability to assess visual information will have
been severely reduced and he/she runs a greater risk of being seen.
To make things even worse for the intruder, a sound system can be switched on at a high volume in the event
of a break-in alarm. As a result, his or her ability to accurately detect sounds will have dissipated. The burglar
no longer feels safe and leaves the premises without managing to steal any property.

Page 12
6.3. CAMERAS
In most cases a certain monitoring requirement underlies a decision to install a camera. This is the case with a
video door phone system for example. When a person calls, we don’t just want to hear him or her, but also see
him or her as well. That allows for a better assessment of who is making the call, especially when we do not
know the person.
Because recognition of the person’s face is important, cameras can be placed around the home in addition to
this camera that is directed at the drive or street. Privacy must also be taken into account as placing cameras
to see what is happening on the street or to spy on the neighbours is obviously not an option.
6.3.1. TYPES AND USAGE
Analogue cameras are still used but their number is shrinking in favour of digital cameras. These make it much
easier to immediately save the images securely on a computer, or even using a cloud service. So they don’t
record everything, the outside cameras are often provided with an internal motion detector.
Outside cameras are generally placed in a protective housing. Inside there is a small heating element so that
the camera continues to operate properly even in very cold weather conditions. The housing also protects
against rain, wind, dust and sunlight.
Images must still be able to be captured even in hours of darkness. Many outside cameras are equipped with
LED lights that come on when movement is detected. In some cases the camera can record in infrared. The IR
lighting cannot be seen from the outside.
There is also an option to place cameras inside the home. Several switch manufacturers have small cameras in
their range that can be built into the wall and finished with the same cover plates as the electrical sockets and
switches. As well as detecting intruders entering the home, they are sometimes used to monitor a sleeping
baby, or check on an older family member suffering from dementia. Of course, here also privacy must be
respected.

Page 13
7. USEFUL LINKS
Reasons to rewire your home
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/reasons-to-rewire-your-home#
Are you dealing with electricity in a safe manner?
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/are-you-dealing-with-electricity-in-a-safe-manner#
Are your expensive electronic devices protected against overvoltage?
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/are-your-expensive-electronic-devices-protected-against-overvoltage#
Does your home look occupied when you are not around?
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/does-your-home-look-occupied-when-you-are-not-around#
Which smoke detector do you prefer in your home?
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/which-smoke-detector-do-you-prefer-in-your-home#
Window and door contacts in your home
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/window-and-door-contacts-in-your-home#
Is your burglar alarm system connected?
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/is-your-burglary-alarm-system-connected#
Cameras in and around the home
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/cameras-in-and-around-the-home#

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