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Electricalaka: AFCIaka: arc fault breaker

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)

In Plain English

A safety breaker that detects dangerous electrical sparking inside walls and shuts off power to prevent fires.

Definition

A circuit protection device that detects dangerous electrical arcing conditions and shuts off power before a fire can start. AFCIs are required by the NEC in bedrooms, living areas, and most habitable rooms in new construction. They differ from GFCIs in that they protect against arcing faults rather than ground faults.

Example

The inspector required AFCI breakers on all bedroom circuits per NEC 2020 requirements.

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