What is AFCI and how does it work?

An AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a safety device designed to detect and interrupt arc faults in electrical circuits, which are a common cause of electrical fires. 

Arc faults occur when there’s an unintentional discharge of electricity through the air (an arc) due to damaged or faulty wiring, connections, or equipment. AFCIs are typically required in residential electrical systems to improve safety.

How an AFCI Works

1. Detecting an Arc Fault:

• An arc occurs when electrical current jumps from one conductor to another, or from a conductor to ground. 
• This can happen due to damaged wires, loose connections, or aging equipment.
• AFCIs monitor the electrical waveform, looking for patterns that indicate an arc. 
• Unlike standard circuit breakers that only trip when there’s an overload or short circuit, AFCIs are designed to recognize these dangerous arcing conditions that may not immediately cause a surge in current but can still create heat, leading to a fire hazard.

2. Interruption of the Circuit:

• When an AFCI detects an arc fault, it rapidly shuts off the power to the circuit, preventing the arc from causing further damage or starting a fire.

3. Types of Arc Faults Detected:

• Series Arc Faults: These occur when there’s a break or damage in the wiring (e.g., frayed or chewed wires), causing current to jump across the gap.
• Parallel Arc Faults: These happen when there’s a short between two conductors (usually the hot and neutral wires), causing electricity to arc between them.

Where AFCIs Are Used

• Bedrooms: Because most home fires start in bedrooms due to faulty wiring.
• Living Rooms and Hallways: As part of general home fire safety requirements.
• Circuits with Extension Cords: Where arcing can happen due to poor or worn connections.

Why AFCIs Are Important

• Fire Prevention: Arc faults can create enough heat to ignite nearby flammable materials, leading to fires. AFCIs help prevent this risk.
• Protection from Undetected Hazards: Arc faults can go unnoticed without an AFCI, potentially causing long-term damage to wiring, appliances, and the electrical system, which can result in costly repairs and safety risks.
• Codes and Regulations: Many modern building codes require AFCIs to be installed in certain areas of new homes, especially in bedrooms and living areas.

Types of AFCIs

•  AFCI Breakers: Installed directly in the electrical panel, these breakers protect entire circuits by monitoring for arc faults and interrupting power when necessary.
• AFCI Outlets: A less common, more localized version of an AFCI, installed at specific outlets to protect devices plugged into them.

When to Install or Replace AFCIs

• New Construction: In many areas, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires AFCI breakers in bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways of new homes.
• Upgrades and Renovations: If you're upgrading your electrical system or wiring, it’s a good idea to install AFCIs for enhanced protection.

Signs an AFCI is Malfunctioning or Needs Attention

• Frequent Tripping: If the AFCI trips often, it might be detecting a real arc fault, or it could be faulty wiring or a defective device.
• Failure to Trip During an Arc Fault: If an arc fault occurs and the AFCI doesn’t trip, it may be defective and should be replaced.
• Inability to Reset: If the AFCI breaker doesn’t reset, this may indicate an internal fault.
• Testing an AFCI

Test Monthly

• Just like GFCIs, AFCIs should be tested monthly to ensure they are functioning properly. You can press the "Test" button on the AFCI breaker to simulate an arc fault. The breaker should trip, cutting power to the circuit.
• Resetting: After testing, press the "Reset" button to restore power to the circuit.

If you are forgetting to test them monthly at LEAST test on a “BIRTHDAY SCHEDULE”.  

• Test every AFCI in the house on each person’s birthday.  
• This could be that most important gift of safety for your loved one.

These devices are installed in our homes to protect us from electric shock and possible death from it. 

Test them to keep the protection ACTIVE !