Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Residential electrical fires occur around 70,000 times a year. A significant portion of these fires can be attributed to arc faults. An arc fault is the flow of electricity over an unintended path. These arcs can exceed temperatures of 10,000° F and easily ignite combustible materials in the home. AFCIs are devices that protect your home by detecting dangerous arcs and safely de-energizing the circuit. Arc faults arise from a number of situations, including: ¢ Damaged wires ¢ Receptacle leakage ¢ Neutral leads pinched to grounded metal box ¢ Worn electrical insulation ¢ Loose electrical connections ¢ Shorted wires ¢ Wires or cords in contact with vibrating metal ¢ Overheated or stressed electrical cords and wires ¢ Misapplied/damaged appliances
