Safety devices
AFCI
An AFCI is a breaker or outlet that detects dangerous arcing in wiring and shuts off the circuit before the arc can start a fire.
An arc is a spark that jumps across a gap or a damaged spot in a wire. The CPSC says unwanted arcing makes very high heat and throws molten metal that can ignite nearby paper, insulation and vapors. Some arcing currents stay below a normal breaker's rating, so a normal breaker may never trip. An AFCI is built to sense the arc itself.
Loose connections and damaged cable are common causes of an arc fault. An AFCI does not replace a GFCI. A dual-function breaker combines both. If an AFCI trips often, a licensed electrician should inspect the circuit. See GFCI vs AFCI.
Related terms
Sources
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