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)