{"id":24175,"date":"2024-04-17T09:06:32","date_gmt":"2024-04-17T15:06:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/?p=24175"},"modified":"2025-01-02T09:14:14","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T16:14:14","slug":"afci-outlets-and-breakers-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/afci-outlets-and-breakers-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"AFCI Outlets and Breakers Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1144px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p>Electricity is one of the most important components in our homes. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous. A flawed electrical system can be the source of power outages, property damage, bodily injury, and even house fires. Thankfully, through modern technology, we are able to implement safeguards into our electrical systems in order to prevent these types of accidents. One example of these safety devices is the AFCI. This device is instrumental in preventing safety hazards caused by arc faults.<\/p>\n<p>Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters are a crucial aspect of any residential building, but unlike their counterpart, GFCIs, AFCIs are less talked about and more misunderstood. So let&#8217;s dive into the world of AFCIs.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Screenshot-2025-01-02-at-10.57.07\u202fAM.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-25548 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Screenshot-2025-01-02-at-10.57.07\u202fAM-1024x767.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"639\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Screenshot-2025-01-02-at-10.57.07\u202fAM-200x150.png 200w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Screenshot-2025-01-02-at-10.57.07\u202fAM-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Screenshot-2025-01-02-at-10.57.07\u202fAM-400x299.png 400w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Screenshot-2025-01-02-at-10.57.07\u202fAM-600x449.png 600w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Screenshot-2025-01-02-at-10.57.07\u202fAM-768x575.png 768w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Screenshot-2025-01-02-at-10.57.07\u202fAM-800x599.png 800w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Screenshot-2025-01-02-at-10.57.07\u202fAM-1024x767.png 1024w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Screenshot-2025-01-02-at-10.57.07\u202fAM-1200x898.png 1200w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Screenshot-2025-01-02-at-10.57.07\u202fAM.png 1269w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 639px) 100vw, 639px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What is an Electrical Arc?<\/h2>\n<p>In order to explain an AFCI, we must first discuss what an electrical arc is. An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/chemistry\/electric-arc#:~:text=in%20the%20Arc-,An%20electric%20arc%20is%20a%20discharge%20of%20electric%20current%20across,poor%20conductor%20of%20electric%20current.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">electrical arc<\/a> is a discharge of electric current across a gap in a circuit. Because the air is a poor conductor, the current is able to make its way across the gap by generating an <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ionization\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ionized<\/a> column of gas called a plasma. The plasma creates a bright light and extremely high levels of heat. Arcing is often utilized in a controlled manner for things such as welding, plasma cutting, and lighting.<\/p>\n<p>But when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.creativesafetysupply.com\/qa\/arc-flash\/what-is-an-electrical-arc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">arcing occurs unintentionally<\/a>, it can be very dangerous. They have been known to cause fires, electrocution, and even explosions. Damaged, frayed or kinked wires, gaps in wire insulation, improperly wired panels, accumulated dust or corrosion <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pottselectric.com\/electrical-arcing-what-is-it-and-what-are-the-warning-signs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">can all cause arc faults<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_25549\" style=\"width: 730px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-1195546460-scaled.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25549\" class=\"wp-image-25549 \" src=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-1195546460-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Electrical Arc\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-1195546460-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-1195546460-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-1195546460-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-1195546460-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-1195546460-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-1195546460-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-1195546460-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-1195546460-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-1195546460-scaled.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-1195546460-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-25549\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Electrical spark between two wires<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Electricity will often try to find the path of least resistance. So if anything is interrupting its intended path (through electrical wiring or connection), it can jump to another conducting material, such as a metal component in an electrical panel. Even if the arc fault is occurring along the current&#8217;s intended wiring, the heat that it generates can break down the wire insulation and cause an electrical fire. These fires can then grow and spread to other flammable components of the house. In some cases, these fires will occur behind walls or other hidden areas, causing the fire to intensify significantly before even being detected.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_24194\" style=\"width: 3657px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sensors-16-00500-g001.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24194\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24194\" src=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sensors-16-00500-g001.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"3647\" height=\"1135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sensors-16-00500-g001-200x62.png 200w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sensors-16-00500-g001-300x93.png 300w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sensors-16-00500-g001-400x124.png 400w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sensors-16-00500-g001-600x187.png 600w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sensors-16-00500-g001-768x239.png 768w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sensors-16-00500-g001-800x249.png 800w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sensors-16-00500-g001-1024x319.png 1024w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sensors-16-00500-g001-1200x373.png 1200w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sensors-16-00500-g001-1536x478.png 1536w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/sensors-16-00500-g001.png 3647w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3647px) 100vw, 3647px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-24194\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image sourced from: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.cohttps:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1424-8220\/16\/4\/500\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.mdpi.co<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<h2>What is an AFCI?<\/h2>\n<p>So while they happen infrequently, arc faults are<strong> definitely<\/strong> something we need to avoid &#8211; especially in the residential setting. So how do we do that? In comes the AFCI, or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter.<\/p>\n<p>The Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter&#8217;s name pretty much sums it up. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.afcisafety.org\/afci\/what-is-afci\/#1469599930228-af1035c1-803f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The device uses specialized technology<\/a> that will allow it to detect any abnormal arc occurring along the circuit. When it does, it will interrupt the circuit so that no current can be transmitted through it. By promptly interrupting the circuit upon detecting abnormal arcing, AFCIs can prevent the arc from escalating into a fire. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of fire-related incidents.<\/p>\n<p>This is such a crucial aspect of the home that the current <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/codes-and-standards\/nfpa-70-standard-development\/70\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Electrical Code (NEC)<\/a> now requires that an AFCI be installed on each circuit of the home. On occasion, these devices will be installed at electrical receptacles, but they are more commonly installed at the circuit breaker.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/arcfaultbreaker500_1_.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-24184\" src=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/arcfaultbreaker500_1_.jpeg\" alt=\"AFCI diagram\" width=\"513\" height=\"397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/arcfaultbreaker500_1_-200x155.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/arcfaultbreaker500_1_-300x232.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/arcfaultbreaker500_1_-400x310.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/arcfaultbreaker500_1_.jpeg 513w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 513px) 100vw, 513px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>AFCI vs GFCI<\/h2>\n<p>Do not get the AFCI confused with its close relative, the <a href=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/gfci-outlet-explained\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)<\/a>. Both devices are designed to &#8220;break&#8221; the circuit, but they are triggered by different conditions. As its name suggests, a GFCI will trip the moment it detects a ground fault.<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/safeelectricity.org\/ground-fault-circuit-interrupters-gfcis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ground fault<\/a> occurs when electricity flows to an unintended, grounded conductor, such as a water source or a human body. This is a serious shock risk near water sources, which is why GFCIs are required in all bathrooms and kitchens.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GFCI-scaled.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24213 \" src=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GFCI-scaled-e1713278711856.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GFCI-scaled-e1713278711856-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GFCI-scaled-e1713278711856-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GFCI-scaled-e1713278711856-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GFCI-scaled-e1713278711856-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GFCI-scaled-e1713278711856-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GFCI-scaled-e1713278711856-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GFCI-scaled-e1713278711856-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GFCI-scaled-e1713278711856-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GFCI-scaled-e1713278711856.jpg 1321w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/safeelectricity.org\/ground-fault-circuit-interrupters-gfcis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GFCIs<\/a> are most commonly installed at the outlet receptacle (as shown above). But they can also be installed at the circuit breaker on individual circuits. In those cases, all the outlets on the circuit will have GFCI protection.\u00a0 On the contrary, AFCIs are almost exclusively installed at the circuit breaker.<\/p>\n<p>Both AFCIs and GFCIs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.afcisafety.org\/afci\/what-is-afci\/#1469600123076-2fab3100-9afb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">can be installed on the same circuits together.<\/a> They work as a team to provide the maximum protection that a circuit can have.<\/p>\n<h2>Inspecting for AFCIs<\/h2>\n<p>Electrical is one of the primary components we inspect when conducting <a href=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/inspection-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our standard inspections.<\/a> This is generally one of the main safety concerns for most of our clients. We conduct a very <a href=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/home-inspection-checklist-infographic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">thorough inspection<\/a>, examining the main panel, testing outlets, fixtures, light switches, and even smoke\/CO detectors.<\/p>\n<p>We know the important role the AFCIs play in the home &#8211; not to mention they are a code requirement. So our inspectors <em>always\u00a0<\/em>make sure to inspect for them. We will test them when possible, but we often can&#8217;t when the home is occupied with outlets in use. If there are any missing or defective AFCIs, we will be sure to recommend immediate evaluation and repair.<\/p>\n<p>If you are based in Colorado and in need of inspection services, <a href=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Scott Home Inspection<\/a> would love to be of service! With over 18 years of home inspection experience in the CO Front Range, we ensure that you will find the highest quality service in the industry from our inspectors and office staff.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about us, <a href=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">visit us online<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/scheduling-options\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact us today<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Luke-Panel-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-14538 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Luke-Panel-2.jpg\" alt=\"Inspection of electrical panel AFCI breakers\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Luke-Panel-2-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Luke-Panel-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Luke-Panel-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Luke-Panel-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Luke-Panel-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Luke-Panel-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Luke-Panel-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Luke-Panel-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":25550,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4572,4772],"tags":[5320,5321,4773,5322],"class_list":["post-24175","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-back-to-basics","category-electrical","tag-afci","tag-arc-fault-circuit-interrupter","tag-electrical","tag-electrical-safety"],"nelio_content":{"autoShareEndMode":"never","automationSources":{"useCustomSentences":false,"customSentences":[]},"efiAlt":"","efiUrl":"","followers":[18],"highlights":[],"isAutoShareEnabled":true,"networkImageIds":[],"permalinkQueryArgs":[],"series":[],"suggestedReferences":[]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v18.1 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>AFCI Outlets and Breakers Explained - Scott Home Inspection<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter or AFCI is one of the most important safety components of a residential setting. 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