Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is a circuit breaker designed to prevent fires by detecting a non-working (i.e., non-intended/non-useful) electrical arc and disconnecting the power before the arc starts a fire.
An AFCI should, but may not always, distinguish between a working arc that may occur in the brushes of a vacuum cleaner, on operation of a light switch, the insertion or removal of a plug into an electrical receptacle, or during the operation of other household devices and a non-working arc that can occur. For example, a lamp cord that has a broken conductor in the cord from overuse.
The 2008 NEC requires Collin County electricians to install combination-type AFCIs in all 15 and 20 ampere residential wiring circuits with the exception of laundries outlet, kitchens outlets, bathrooms outlets and garages circuits
As a special provision, electricians may install AFCI breakers when rewiring an old home electrical system.
Arc faults in a home is one of the leading causes for household fires. Each year in the United States, over 40,000 fires are attributed to home electrical wiring. These fires result in over 350 deaths and over 1,400 injuries each year.
For more information about electrical safety hazards and how to make your home safer, contact Nisat Electric.
