It is a common misconception that steel framing increases electrical hazards to builders and occupants. In reality, steel-framed homes are usually a safer option than the alternatives. Let us explain:
Codes and legislation
When building a new home, building codes and relevant legislation set out the minimum safety requirements to protect your home (and those both building and residing within it) from various safety hazards. Electrical hazards is just one of the types of safety hazards addressed by these requirements, and any builder or tradie worth their salt will have solid knowledge of, and experience with, meeting your dwelling’s electrical requirements.
For example, it is required that an appropriate safety switch be installed by a licensed electrician in all new dwellings. The main reason for these switches is to prevent accidental electrocution, and they come in two forms: Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCN) and Residual Current Device (RCD).
Earthing – how does it work?
Another requirement of codes and legislation is that steel-framed structures must be permanently earthed. But how does “earthing” work?
The National Association of Steel-framed Housing (NASH) explains this process in their Fact File on Electrical Safety:
An electrical current will follow the path of least resistance, the amount current being in inverse proportion to the resistance involved. In other words if there are two paths the current can follow, it will split in two, the stronger current being conducted through the lower resistance. If that resistance is very low relative to the other, nearly all the current will flow through it. This is how the process of “earthing” works.
So, as we can see from NASH’s explanation, the process of earthing directs the electrical current through the path of least resistance. In the case of an earthed steel frame, the electrical current would be much more inclined to pass through the steel (a very efficient conductor of electricity) to the earthing system as this is by far a lower path of resistance in comparison to electricity passing through a human body (which has a higher resistance than steel).
Timber falls short
However, the same cannot be said for other “non-conducting” building materials with higher resistance to electricity – such as timber. In fact, a timber frame poses a higher risk of accidental electrocution. For example, should lightning reach a steel frame within a dwelling, it would be conducted to the ground via the earthing system. However, when lightning strikes timber, its energy can be released within the timber. NASH notes that there have even been reports of lightning igniting timber frames.
Similarly, timber frames can be more susceptible to fire risk as a result of faults or leaking current. Should a wire within a timber framing system become pierced or damaged, the wire can remain live without the advantages of an earthed steel framing system. Add the susceptibility to water penetrating the flame in extreme weather such as storms or floods, and the combination of electricity and timber framing becomes increasingly risky.
Keeping you safe
At AusSteel, we’re well-versed in the many ways that building with a steel frame and trusses can minimise or eliminate various safety risks to your home and family. With our #ultimatebuildingsystem you can feel rest assured that you’re making the safest decision for your investment and your family’s future.
Want to know more about how AusSteel frames can safeguard your investment? AusSteel has facilities in Goulburn (Southern Tablelands – NSW), Cameron Park (Newcastle area – NSW), and Crestmead (Brisbane area – QLD). Our team is happy to walk you through the features and benefits of AusSteel’s #ultimatebuildingsystem. Get in touch today!
Reference: NASH Fact File 4: Electrical Safety, accessed 18/12/24: https://aussteel.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2007FactsheetsNo4-ElectricalSafety-1.pdf
