Arc-Fault Breaker Installation for Glendora
Is your wiring system protected? An AFCI (arc-fault circuit-interrupter) protects a home’s wiring system against arc flashes; high powered discharges of electricity. An arc flash can happen when an electric current flows through an air gap between two conductors. This discharge turns into heat, which can compromise the wire’s insulation and potentially start a fire. While arc faults are not common, when they do occur the destruction can be devastating. An Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is an advanced circuit breaker that interrupts (stops) the circuit when it detects a dangerous electric arc. Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air can install and service arc-fault breakers to ensure your home and family are safe from arc flashes.
Arc-Fault Breaker Information:
- Function– An AFCI detects hazardous arcing conditions and shuts down the electricity supply before a fire can start.
- Protection– An AFCI offers protection against dangerous arc faults that can cause electrical fires – destroying electrical systems and homes.
- Testing– Once installed, AFCI’s should be tested each month. If they do not trip when tested, they should be replaced.
- Safety Commission Estimate– The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has estimated that properly installed AFCI’s could prevent about 50% of the electrical fires that occur every year.
- Required Rooms– Installation is required by the National Electrical Code® (NEC) for new residential construction. Bedrooms were chosen as the first area of implementation because of a long history of fires, but in 2008 additional rooms were added. Dining rooms, living rooms and other “habitable areas” are now mandatory as well.
AFCI Vs GFCI
Modern technology has made it easier for homeowners to protect their homes from electrical overloads, short circuits and electrical fires. While circuit breakers have been around for decades, AFCIs and GFCIs are relatively new technology and offer comprehensive protection from arcing and ground-faults. Called electrical circuit interrupters, these two similarly named devices perform very different functions. AFCIs are used specifically to deal with arc faults (and installed directly in the electrical panel) while GFCIs help guard against destructive ground-faults (and installed as electrical outlets). Knowing the difference is key in understanding the proper safety regulations for your electrical system.
GFCI Information:
- Function– GFCIs prevent shock by shutting off power to a circuit if the electricity flowing into the circuit indicates a leakage in the current.
- Protection– A GFCI protects a household from being harmed by electrical shock.
- Testing– Like AFCIs, GFCIs should be tested each month. If it does not trip when tested, it should be replaced.
- Safety Commission Study– A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission study found 47% of residential electrocutions could have been prevented with the inclusion of GFCI protection.
- Required Areas– Installation is required by the NEC for outlets/receptacles in bathrooms, kitchens, basements and garages (any room where there might be a water fixture) in residential construction.
Comprehensive Electrical
At Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air, our professional electricians are skilled at AFCI installation and service. We can also help you with any and all of your electrical installation and repair needs. If you are conducting any type of home improvement project, now is the perfect time to customize your electrical system to the unique needs of you and your family. If any portion of your electrical system is under-performing, our electrical repair technicians can restore it to optimal operation. We have been helping our Glendora neighbors with their electrical needs for over 20 years.
If you need assistance with arc-fault breaker installation call Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air at 800-947-1747 to schedule an appointment.