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AFCI installation
An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter, commonly called an AFCI, works much like a GFCI and can either be installed as a receptacle or a circuit breaker. An AFCI is designed to prevent house fires by stopping an electrical circuit from arcing.
Arcing can occur when a deteriorated or loose connection, or insulation surrounding a wire becomes damaged and exposes the wire that carries electricity to the outside of the circuit. This arcing is the the electricity "jumping" out of the circuit in the form of light and heat which can cause any combustibles near the wire to catch fire.
How an AFCI works
An AFCI continuously analyzes the wave forms of the amperage and voltage in a circuit. When arcing occurs the waveforms of the current and voltage don't match the normal sine wave pattern that should be present. If the waveforms are irregular that means there could be arcing in the circuit somewhere and the AFCI will automatically trip thereby stopping the current.
The advantages and disadvantages of an AFCI breaker vs an AFCI receptacle are similar to those of the GFCI, but with one big exception. As of the the 2017 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) latest update AFCI protection is required on all 15 and 20 amp single phase circuits.
This means that nearly all branch circuits for receptacles and lighting must have arc-fault circuit interrupter protection.
In cases where a receptacle or circuit need both AFCI and GFCI protection then a combination of dual function breaker or receptacle would be appropriate.
An AFCI can be both an inexpensive and life-saving addition to any home
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