Most people are familiar with sparking or arcing. Intended arcing such as an arc welders and spark plugs are examples of controlled arcing. Downed power lines during a storm creating sparks between wires is and example of unintended arcing. The temperatures of these arcs can exceed 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit and may easily ignite surrounding material, such as wood framing or insulation.. AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter) protect your home from the damages of arcs.

The difference between an AFCI device as compared to a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) device; GFCI protects people from the deadly effects of electric shock. AFCI protects the wiring and home from electrical fires. AFCI and GFCI technologies can co-exist with each other for the most complete protection on a circuit. Having an electrician at Positively Electrical update the circuit breakers in your home, from standard breakers to those that protect from arcing and sparking will offer an extra level of protection. Many new homes may have these advanced arc fault circuit interrupter but even new homes will have opportunities to increase the level of protection.

The 2017 NEC® states that Arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall be provided in Dwelling Units on all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchen

ens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun-rooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, or similar rooms or areas.