Washington DC, March 26, 2002 -- Technology Research Corporation (TRC), (NASDAQ:TRCI), is demonstrating the Fire Shield™ cord fire prevention technology at the

Safe Circle press conference hosted by SAFE / Safer America for Everyone. Fire Shield cords are designed for use as extension cords on power strips and appliances to prevent cord fires.

Appliance, power strip, and extension cords are a leading cause of electrical fires in US residences.  According to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, a cord fire happens every six minutes in a U.S. residence.  Cord fires are caused by overloading, overheating, fraying, being pinched or crimped by furniture and doorways, abuse by pets and children, and normal aging of the cord.  

The UL approved Fire Shield technology is designed to sense any damage in a power supply cord and disconnect power before a fire can occur.  A monitoring shield surrounds each of the insulated current carrying conductors.  If the cord is damaged, current begins to leak from the conductor to the shield.  The plug mounted electronics sense the current on the shield and disconnect power in less the 25 milliseconds, faster than a blink of the eye.

In the demonstration, conducted by Dr. Frank Brugner, Vice President of Engineering, a standard extension cord is wrapped in cotton and severed by a steel blade.  The resulting arcing not only ignites the cotton, but also can melt steel.  The demonstration is repeated with the Fire Shield extension cord.  No arcing is detected; just the button on the plug mounted electronic module pops out indicating the power has been disconnected; the cotton does not ignite. 

Fire Shield is UL approved as a Leakage Current Detection and Interruption (LCDI) protected cord set.  It is available as an extension cord, surge strip, or appliance cord.  Fire Shield has been incorporated as a safety feature on the new line of Black and DeckerÒ electric space heaters.  A change to the 2002 National Electrical Code requires either LCDI or AFCI protected cord sets for room air conditioners.  The UL standard for room air conditioners is being revised to reflect this change with an anticipated implementation by 2004.

TRC is recognized as a worldwide leader in electrical safety products that prevent electrocution, electrical fires and protect against serious injury from electrical shock.  Based on its core technology in ground fault sensing, products are designed to meet the needs of the consumer, commercial, and industrial markets worldwide.  The Company also supplies power monitors and control equipment used by the United States Military and its prime contractors.

#    #    #