| You may not have ever heard of arc fault | | | | AFCIs not only protect against dangerous arcing |
| breakers or AFCIs, but they play an important | | | | caused by faulty wiring, but they also prevent |
| role in protecting your home from fire damage. | | | | overloading the circuits. You know- when you |
| GFCIs are commonly installed but they only | | | | have branched wiring and are using high voltage |
| ground the outlet, protecting against electrical | | | | power cords and extension cords. It trips the |
| shock. The AFCIs protect against fires caused by | | | | circuit when an overload occurs. |
| faulty wiring. | | | | Don't try to install this yourself. Anytime you |
| Arc fault breakers work by interrupting power | | | | work with electricity, it can be very dangerous |
| when an electrical arc forms because of loose or | | | | and only a qualified electrician should install this |
| damaged wiring. AFCIs work by detecting the | | | | equipment. Once it is installed, you should test it at |
| difference between a normal arc and an | | | | least once a month to make sure it is functioning |
| unexpected arc. When this kind of arc hits and | | | | properly. |
| sparks, you get a fire that can quickly grow and | | | | The outlet looks like the GFCIs with the red test |
| destroy a home. Your normal circuit breaker is | | | | button and a reset button. By pressing the test |
| too slow in detecting abnormal arcs and sparks so | | | | button, you should trip the circuit. If it does not, |
| they don't trip in time to avoid a fire. But, | | | | you need to have the installation checked or |
| occasionally, the arc fault breakers trip when | | | | replace the breaker altogether. It doesn't help you |
| there is no danger. | | | | if the equipment protecting you from faulty wiring |
| Every year, thousands of home fires are caused | | | | is faulty too. |
| by faulty wiring and hundreds die as a result. As | | | | GFCIs are required in a number of locations |
| their importance in preventing house fires | | | | around the home- the bathroom, kitchen, |
| becomes apparent, AFCIs have been built into | | | | basements, garages and swimming pools. Though |
| traditional circuit breakers for maximum | | | | AFCIs are currently only required in the bedroom |
| protection. As of 2002, new built homes require | | | | for new builts, the codes change frequently |
| arc fault breakers to be installed by an electrician | | | | especially as advancements are made. |
| in the bedrooms as a safety feature. | | | | Even though it isn't a requirement, it is still a good |
| In existing homes, especially older homes, it is | | | | idea to have an electrician install these breakers |
| important to install AFCIs where wiring is | | | | throughout the house. Because you can use |
| questionable. In the near future, you will be able to | | | | combined breakers, it makes it more convenient. |
| install one breaker that grounds and protects | | | | By having them installed, you are protecting your |
| against unstable arcing. | | | | family, your home and yourself. |