Arc Fault Circuit Protection. Afci or arc fault circuit interrupters are the latest in electrical safety devices for dwellings. Arcing creates high intensity heat may exceed 10 000 degrees fahrenheit resulting in burning particles that may over time ignite surrounding material such as wood framing or insulation.
The ul standard for afcis defines an arc fault as an unintentional arcing condition in a circuit wiring. An arc fault circuit interrupter or afci breaker prevents fires by sensing when an electrical arc is about to occur and instantly disconnecting the damaged circuit before the arc builds enough heat to catch fire. Afci standards were introduced in the 1999 nec national electrical code and are required in new dwelling construction and when installing extending or updating new circuits in an existing dwelling or when replacing receptacles located in designated locations.
Afci standards were introduced in the 1999 nec national electrical code and are required in new dwelling construction and when installing extending or updating new circuits in an existing dwelling or when replacing receptacles located in designated locations.
An afci selectively distinguishes between a harmless arc. An arc fault circuit interrupter afci also known as an arc fault detection device afdd is a circuit breaker that breaks the circuit when it detects the electric arcs that are a signature of loose connections in home wiring. Help create safer living spaces and provide valuable electrical safety and protection by understanding the requirements for afci and gfci protection. The ul standard for afcis defines an arc fault as an unintentional arcing condition in a circuit wiring.
