Why afci breakers

AFCIs mitigate the effects of arcing faults by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected. Some equipment in the home, such as a motor driven vacuum cleaner or furnace motor, naturally create arcs. This is considered to be a normal arcing condition. Another normal arcing condition that occurs when a light switch is turned off and the opening of the contacts creates an arc.

The first generation AFCI provides moderate fire prevention and detects when a parallel arc between hot and neutral conductors trip. Alternatively, the combination AFCI breaker provides enhanced fire protection. The AFCI receptacle provides protection from arc faults beyond branch circuit wiring extending to appliances and cords plugged into the receptacle.

This device provides enhanced fire protection and protects all downstream wire and appliances from both parallel and series arcs, and also protects from series arcs upstream in the wiring between the source of the circuit and the first outlet of the circuit. Homeowners should know that there are multiple ways to protect your home and family from electrical fires. A ground fault circuit interrupter GFCI is a device that shuts off an electric power circuit when it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person.

Ground fault protection remains particularly important for circuit outlets in areas where electrical equipment is near water. For example, GFCIs work for places such as bathrooms or kitchen sinks. AFCI and GFCI technologies can co-exist with each other and are a great complement for the most complete protection that can be provided on a circuit.

The major difference between an AFCI and GFCI is that the primary function of the GFCI is to protect people from the deadly effects of electric shock that could occur if parts of an electrical appliance or tool become energized due to a ground fault.

The primary function of the AFCI is to protect the branch circuit wiring from dangerous arcing faults that could initiate an electrical fire. If this is confusing, than pictures can help show the difference between an AFCI vs. Once it does, it shuts down the circuit—instantaneously.

The new arc fault circuit breakers first showed up in section of the edition of the National Electric Code. As of , the code required them in residential homes for any bedroom circuits. Bedrooms presented the main source for dangerous and life-threatening arcs according to research at the time. Some municipalities then took it one step further, requiring arc fault protection on all circuits which feed residential living areas.

The NEC requires the installation of combination-type AFCIs in all 15 and 20 amp residential circuits with the exception of laundries, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and unfinished basements , though many of these require GFCI protection. The NEC added kitchens and laundry rooms to the list of rooms requiring AFCI circuitry, as well as any devices such as lighting requiring protection.

They are now required in virtually every living area. This includes bedrooms, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, sunrooms, kitchens, dens, hallways, laundry rooms, and more. The NEC also expanded the rules for arc fault circuit interrupters.

Arc fault breakers are similar in size to regular circuit breakers. They simply replace any circuit breaker that feeds a bedroom. Arc fault breakers include a separate neutral wire which connects to the Neutral bus bar in the panel. It takes just minutes. As an invention, the new arc fault circuit interrupter breaker actually has the potential to save lives. While it costs homeowners a little more upfront, the insurance it provides makes it well worth the small investment.

When he's not remodeling part of his house or playing with the latest power tool, Clint enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader.

Clint also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades. We often get contacted about new products by inventors—but rarely do we have a relationship with the inventor. In this case, I was recently contacted by a friend working closely with the owner and inventor of the Vulcan Line Tools Wave Timer. As always, you can grab discounts on batteries and tool combo kits, but even individual tools show dramatic savings for those looking to expand the […].

There are many questions that have come up about the way contractors must deal with lead-based paint. For some time now, handouts and brochures have sat on the paint counters of all the local home improvement centers and paint stores.

The objective is to protect the circuit in a manner that will reduce its chances of being a source of an electrical fire. Questions have been raised regarding their application and even the need for them.

Arcing creates high intensity heating at the point of the arc resulting in burning particles that may over time ignite surrounding material, such as wood framing or insulation.

The temperatures of these arcs can exceed 10, degrees Fahrenheit. Repeated arcing can create carbon paths that are the foundation for continued arcing generating even higher temperatures. AFCIs are intended to mitigate the effects of arcing faults by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc-fault is detected. This means that they must be evaluated by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to the national standard for AFCIs UL NEC This series arc detection is beneficial to detect lower level arcing in both branch circuits and power supply cords.