CLEVELAND -- A simple, $30 device could save your life. But a 5 On Your Side investigation uncovered why homes all over Ohio don't have it and are at risk for deadly fires.

Every year, 70,000 homes go up in flames and electrical wiring is to blame. That's exactly what happened to Glen Easterday's home here in Ohio. But a $30 gadget could have saved his home.

Electricians call the gadgets arc fault interrupters. They also call them life saving.

Electrical inspector Al Sheldon said, "It's basically the best protection you can have on your electrical wiring that's been out in the last 15 years."

If wiring sparks, the arc fault interrupter can shut down the electricity source, stopping the fire before it even starts. According to certified electrical inspector Tom Moore, "This is kind of like a safety feature. When you sleep it's protecting your house."

The U.S. Fire Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the National Fire Protection Association all urge homeowners to use the arc fault interrupters, calling them "reliable and effective."

This year new homes across Ohio were supposed to be fully protected. But a 5 On Your Side investigation found that the very state board that oversees building safety standards in Ohio suddenly pulled the plug.

The Ohio Home Builders group claims the $30 device is a significant cost. Ohio's own governor signed an executive order to pull the plug on the safety feature.

"We don't think the changes that would result would impact public safety. If I thought it was, there would be no question about what I would do," said Gov. Ted Strickland.

The governor also blamed the economy, saying it was tough on homebuilders and the new safety features could hit them too hard in the pocketbook.

It will now be at least next year before new safety improvements -- if approved -- take effect.