Electrician: Why Arc Fault Breakers Are Important For Home Safety Article

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Electrician: Why Arc Fault Breakers Are Important For Home Safety

An electrician can install arc fault breakers in new and existing homes. These AFCIs are important because they disrupt power when faulty wiring causes dangerous arcing and sparks that cause fires. They also prevent circuit overload.

Author: Anna Woodward

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You may not have ever heard of arc fault breakers or AFCIs, but they play an important role in protecting your home from fire damage. GFCIs are commonly installed but they only ground the outlet, protecting against electrical shock. The AFCIs protect against fires caused by faulty wiring.

Arc fault breakers work by interrupting power when an electrical arc forms because of loose or damaged wiring. AFCIs work by detecting the difference between a normal arc and an unexpected arc. When this kind of arc hits and sparks, you get a fire that can quickly grow and destroy a home. Your normal circuit breaker is too slow in detecting abnormal arcs and sparks so they don't trip in time to avoid a fire. But, occasionally, the arc fault breakers trip when there is no danger.

Every year, thousands of home fires are caused by faulty wiring and hundreds die as a result. As their importance in preventing house fires becomes apparent, AFCIs have been built into traditional circuit breakers for maximum protection. As of 2002, new built homes require arc fault breakers to be installed by an electrician in the bedrooms as a safety feature.

In existing homes, especially older homes, it is important to install AFCIs where wiring is questionable. In the near future, you will be able to install one breaker that grounds and protects against unstable arcing.

AFCIs not only protect against dangerous arcing caused by faulty wiring, but they also prevent overloading the circuits. You know- when you have branched wiring and are using high voltage power cords and extension cords. It trips the circuit when an overload occurs.

Don't try to install this yourself. Anytime you work with electricity, it can be very dangerous and only a qualified electrician should install this equipment. Once it is installed, you should test it at least once a month to make sure it is functioning properly.

The outlet looks like the GFCIs with the red test button and a reset button. By pressing the test button, you should trip the circuit. If it does not, you need to have the installation checked or replace the breaker altogether. It doesn't help you if the equipment protecting you from faulty wiring is faulty too.

GFCIs are required in a number of locations around the home- the bathroom, kitchen, basements, garages and swimming pools. Though AFCIs are currently only required in the bedroom for new builts, the codes change frequently especially as advancements are made.

Even though it isn't a requirement, it is still a good idea to have an electrician install these breakers throughout the house. Because you can use combined breakers, it makes it more convenient. By having them installed, you are protecting your family, your home and yourself.

About Author

Fixing a little outlet in a wall is usually a simple job, but if you mess it up and forget a step there is a real possibility that you could get shocked. So it is always better to seek the help of an electrician. To know more, visit http://local.yodle.com

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