Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI)

Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) are devices that replace standard circuit breakers in electrical your home’s panel. Arc faults are dangerous electrical problems caused by overheated, stressed, or damaged electrical wiring or devices. More than 54,000 fires start each year in homes caused by home electrical problems. AFCIs are advanced electrical safety solutions to prevent these problems. AFCIs provide a higher level of electrical fire protection, detect hazardous arcing conditions that traditional breakers were not designed to recognize, and shut down the electricity before a fire can start. Additional protection of AFCIs is very important in older homes with aging wiring systems.

Maintenance Tips

• Test AFCIs once a month to make sure they are in proper working condition.

  • To test: Push the test button. The breaker handle should go to the middle or “off” position.

  • To reset: Move the breaker handle to the “off” position and then to the “on” position.

• Have a professional from Wire Nutz Electric replace any defective AFCI circuit breakers.

• Qualified and licensed electricians should install combination-type AFCIs.