AFCI Arc Fault Protection installation in Denver area homes.
Keep your home and family safe. Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are advanced safety devices that can prevent electrical fires before they even have a chance to start. Arc fault protection is provided via a specifically designed AFCI breaker, AFCI receptacle, or a combination of the two.
Over the last thirty years, homes have been dramatically transformed by modern electrical devices; however, these same devices have also contributed to the high number of electrical fires every year. Many existing homes are simply overwhelmed by today’s electrical demands, putting them at greater risk of arc faults and arc-induced fires.
What is arc fault protection?
Arc fault protection, or arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) has been around for some time now. But unless your home was built or remodeled after 2005, you might not be familiar with it.
Arc fault protection is designed to detect low level, potentially hazardous arcing on a circuit.
While a standard circuit breaker will trip when it detects an overload or short circuit condition, an AFCI is designed to detect low level, potentially hazardous arcing on a circuit, that could result in an electrical fire.
The advanced electronic technology installed within the AFCI breaker or receptacle constantly monitors the circuit for arcing conditions.
If you experienced arc fault protection early on, you are well aware of the problems created by “nuisance tripping”. This was when “normal” arcing that occurs within motor-driven appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, ceiling fans, and treadmills would cause the AFCI to trip.
We even saw instances of wireless routers, converter boxes, and chargers causing AFCI devices to trip. What a hassle for the homeowner, and what a nightmare for the electrician to troubleshoot!
Manufacturers worked diligently to refine AFCI technologies.
Now, for the most part, AFCI breakers and receptacles recognize the difference between normal arcing and dangerous arcing conditions that result from loose connections or damaged/deteriorating insulation on the wire.
Older wiring systems, such as knob and tube, were installed sharing a neutral wire between circuits. A shared neutral wire condition will result in an AFCI tripping instantly when something is turned on or plugged in on that circuit.
Likewise, an AFCI will detect arcing that results from a deteriorating aluminum wire connection to the copper terminal of a wall receptacle, light switch, or ceiling fixture.
If the AFCI trips in these circumstances, it’s doing its job to keep you safe. Much like a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, a tripping AFCI breaker or receptacle is alerting you to a problem.
AFCI does not take the place of GFCI protection!
It is important to understand that an AFCI does not take the place of GFCI protection. While ground-fault circuit interrupters protect against shock, they are not intended to protect against fire, as does an AFCI. Read more about GFCIs.
In new or remodeled wiring, many locations will require both GFCI and AFCI protection. This can be accomplished by installing AFCI circuit breakers, then using GFCI receptacles at specific locations. Or, there are combination AFCI/GFCI circuit breakers that can offer both types of protection to the entire circuit.
It is critical that Code requirements for both AFCI and GFCI protection are followed whenever extending or updating a wiring system.
Not sure
what to do?
Contact us for safe residential electrical practices. We’re happy to help!
Arc-Fault Protection is required in:
- Bedrooms
- Closets
- Kitchens
- Laundry Areas
- Living Rooms
- Family Rooms
- Rec Rooms
- Parlors & Libraries
- Dens
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