year in the U.S. alone. The question is, what can you do to prevent such an
occurrence in your home? Using common sense is one answer, but that doesn't
address the potential causes beyond your control. Worn insulation or an
out-of-the-way extension cord, wiring in the wall that's been nicked by a nail,
or any sort of exposed contact or conductor can lead to arcing - a free,
uncontrolled flow of electricity - which can, in turn, cause an electrical fire.
What is an arc fault? An arc fault is an unintentional electrical discharge
characterized by low and erratic current that may ignite combustible materials
What is an arc fault Circuit Interrupter? An AFCI uses electronics to recognize
the current and voltage
characteristics of arcing faults, and interrupts the circuit when the fault occurs.
Why is it important to me? Fuses and circuit breakers
cannot detect low level arcs.
