Electrical Definitions | What is an AFCI – Arc Fault Circuit Interupter

Understanding AFCI’s:

AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interupter.

An AFCI protects against various types of arcing where wires might be worn, cracked and rubbing. An example would be a worn lamp cord. An AFCI contains advanced electronics that should differentiate between arcing that is normal such as (when a switch is turned off or in the contacts of a motor (like in a vacuum cleaner) and arcing that is hazardous like the worn lamp cord. AFCIs might look similar to GFCIs but provide a much different kind of protection. Both AFCIs and GFCIs are required in certain circuits according to local, state, and national electrical code (NEC). The requirements tend to change from year to year also. Consult your local electrician or a local Building inspector. Remember that rules may vary by locale, so be careful when looking up information on the web. Some things done in another area of the country migtht be handled differently in California or even your city. (see article on NEC)

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Electricial Definitions | GFIs – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

Understanding GFCIs:

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. GFCIs are for protection of people by preventing electrical shock.

A GFCI may be part of a circuit breaker or look like a wall plug.  A GFCI circuit breaker provides wire protection as well as people protection.

Some of the areas that GFCIs are required are kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor outlets.

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Electrical Advise | Circuit Breaker Trips – Important Points And Procedures

It’s important to inform anyone who might need to reset circuit breakers about the proper use and some basics of operation of circuit breakers. This will also lead into the reasons why the old fuse type panels should be replaced. The purpose of a standard circuit breaker is to protect the wiring in your home or business and thus prevent fires and of course prevent expensive replacement of burned out circuits and equipment. A standard circuit breaker does NOT protect people from shock hazard. There is special type of circuit breaker or outlet protector called GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) that does the job of preventing shock or electrocution.

Important points for anyone who might need to reset or operate circuit breakers:

• If a breaker trips it could be due to one or more of several possible causes. (see below)
• If you reset a circuit breaker and it trips again do NOT continue trying to reset it. You should call a professional (licensed) electrician to check the problem.
• To reset a circuit breaker you normally switch it to the completely OFF position and then to the ON position.
• Don’t assume that a circuit breaker is bad because it keeps tripping. Have a professional (licensed) electrician check it.

The reasons a standard circuit breaker (Not GFCI or AFCI) trips is due to over current. Circuit breakers are rated by current trip level. A 15 amp rated circuit breaker will protect a circuit if current exceeds 15 amps. Also a 20 Amp rated circuit breaker will protect a circuit up if current exceeds 20 Amps. The proper size breaker should be determined by a professional (licensed) electrician.

When a breaker trips it could indicate there is a short circuit somewhere or it could be due to overloading, which means that there are too many things plugged in and running at the same time. If you plug in or turn on some device or appliance it might mean that there is a problem with that appliance, or it could be there were already too many things running and that last thing you turned on might be the straw that broke the camels back.

Some older buildings still have the old fuse panels. These provide some protection for the circuits yet there are some hazards associated with fuse panels. When a fuse blows the fuse must be replaced. This is not the case for circuit breaker protection. A circuit breaker is simply reset. One of the infamous problems with fuse panels is the tendency of people to use the wrong replacement or even use other metal objects in place of a blown fuse. This is a very dangerous situation and can lead to fires. Whenever possible fuse panels should be replaced.

In addition some homeowners insurance will not cover buildings protected with old fuse panels. Check with your insurer.

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Announcing Haven’s Solar And Electric On CityScoop!

Welcome to the electrical news column of CityScoop.  This is a brand new column so check back soon for more news, info, pricing, deals and special promotions soon from our local expert, Haven’s Solar & Electric.

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