AFCI. What most people don’t know
As a homeowner, you want to make sure your family and property are safe from electrical fires. One crucial component that can help prevent such hazards is the AFCI or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about AFCI, from its definition to its benefits, installation, and maintenance.
What is AFCI?
An AFCI is an electrical safety device designed to detect and interrupt dangerous electrical arcs, which occur when there is a breakdown in the wiring insulation. AFCIs are designed to protect your property from electrical fires caused by arcs.
How does AFCI work?
An AFCI works by detecting dangerous electrical arcs, which are caused by damaged or overheated wiring insulation. Once detected, the AFCI interrupts the circuit, preventing the electrical arc from continuing to heat up and potentially cause a fire.
Where are AFCIs required?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires AFCIs to be installed in specific areas of the home. According to the NEC, AFCIs are required in bedrooms, living rooms, dens, libraries, family rooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, and similar areas.
Benefits of AFCI
Installing AFCIs in your home can provide several benefits, including:
- Increased safety: AFCIs help reduce the risk of electrical fires, which can cause significant damage to your property and put your family in danger.
- Compliance with building codes: Installing AFCIs ensures that your home meets the building codes required by your local government, which can increase the resale value of your property.
- Protection of sensitive equipment: AFCIs protect sensitive electrical equipment in your home from damage caused by electrical arcing.
AFCI Installation
AFCIs can be installed by a licensed electrician or as part of a new electrical installation. When installing AFCIs, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and ensure that they are installed in the correct locations.
AFCI Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your AFCIs are functioning correctly. We recommend testing your AFCIs regularly by pressing the "test" button on the device. If the AFCI does not trip when tested, you should contact a licensed electrician to inspect the device.
Conclusion
Installing AFCIs in your home can provide significant safety benefits, protect your electrical equipment, and ensure compliance with building codes. Remember to have your AFCIs installed by a licensed electrician, test them regularly, and have them inspected if they do not trip during testing. For more information or assistance with AFCI installation or maintenance, contact our home inspection company today.