JAMESTOWN, NY — August 18, 2025
(WNY News Now) – For over 70 years, the NEMA 5-15 plug — the standard three-prong connector used in homes, offices, and schools — has remained virtually unchanged. But with that familiarity comes a hidden danger: a broken or bent ground prong, which compromises safety and has historically had no simple fix.
Until now.
After two years of development, Jamestown-based inventor Blake R. McAffee and his company, B.I.R.T Technology LLC, have unveiled the world’s first threaded, tool-free replacement ground prong — a breakthrough that allows anyone to safely restore grounding with just a twist of the fingers.
“This isn’t just a new plug — it’s a new standard of safety and self-repair,” says McAffee.
The innovation debuts in the flagship 6-foot BIRT Safety Extension Cord, now entering production and formal safety testing. This cord enables users to restore ground functionality in seconds — without tools, rewiring, or waste.
Just twist the replacement prong clockwise until the red safety line disappears — and it’s once again safe, grounded, and secure.
Built to NEMA specifications and aligned with UL certification standards, the design includes a visual safety indicator and is engineered for durability and real-world use.
“We wanted to solve a real problem in a way that made sense for everyday people — renters, families, and workers — not just electricians,” McAffee explains.
Electrical failures in the U.S. cause over 51,000 home fires annually — many due to damaged plugs or missing ground connections. Research suggests nearly 1 in 5 households continue using devices even after the ground prong has broken off, creating serious risk of shock, fire, and damage.
B.I.R.T. Technology’s mission goes beyond consumer convenience. The goal: empower people to repair instead of replace, safely and affordably.
The plan: manufacture all replacement prong packs locally in Jamestown, creating jobs and restoring local pride while building a new standard in electrical safety.
“We see this becoming a national licensing standard,” says McAffee. “But we want the replacement parts — the very heart of the solution — to come from right here in Jamestown. That’s how you build legacy, not just product.”
📌 Patent Filed: April 21, 2025
🔌 Product: BIRT Safety Extension Cord with Tool-Free Ground Prong Repair
🏛️ Company: B.I.R.T Technology LLC — Jamestown, NY
📬 Contact: birttech@gmail.com
🧠 Founder: Blake Robert McAffee
🤝 Partners: Devyn Stoll & David Cass
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