How Arc Fault Breakers Help Prevent Home Fires

Your home should be a place of comfort, relaxation, and safety. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for any potential safety concerns. But what about hazards that can’t be seen? Electrical fires contribute to thousands of home fires each year, often caused by faults in wiring or appliances. What can you do?

In this blog, our expert electricians at Dean’s Home Services break down everything you need to know about arc fault breakers and how they can help you safeguard your home from electrical fires caused by unseen faults in your electrical system.

What Is an Arc Fault Circuit Breaker?

Arc fault breakers play a crucial role in detecting hidden dangers, but what are they and how do they work? To understand an arc fault circuit breaker, you need to know what an arc fault is.

An arc fault occurs when electricity jumps between two conductors due to damaged insulation or loose connections, creating sparks that can ignite surrounding materials. Unlike high-current overloads or short circuits, which involve excessive current flow, arc faults are often low-current events that can go unnoticed, posing a fire hazard to homes and buildings.

Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), also known as arc fault circuit breakers (AFCBs), are designed to detect and mitigate the dangers of arc faults. They interrupt the circuit if an arc fault is detected, helping to prevent fires before they start.

Arc Faults: The Ultimate Guide

The Benefits of an Arc Fault Breaker

The Minneapolis-St. Paul region is known for having older homes, many of which have historical significance and architectural diversity. However, these homes also often have outdated electrical systems. An arc fault breaker enhances safety in these cherished residences in many ways.

The benefits of installing an arc fault breaker include:

• Fire prevention: Arc fault breakers detect electrical arc faults, which can ignite fires, thereby preventing potential fire hazards in homes and buildings.
• Enhanced safety: They offer additional safety by identifying and interrupting arc faults before they can lead to dangerous situations or damage.
• Code compliance: Arc fault circuit breakers are typically required by electrical safety codes in areas such as bedrooms and kitchens, ensuring adherence to safety standards and promoting a safer living environment.
• Early detection: These devices are capable of early detection of abnormal electrical conditions, allowing for timely intervention and maintenance.
• Protection of property: By preventing fires caused by electrical faults, arc fault breakers help protect homes and possessions from potential damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arc Faults

Contact Dean’s for Electrical Services

As a family-, woman-, and minority-owned company, Dean’s Home Services proudly serves residents of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area with trusted circuit breaker services and exceptional customer care for all your electrical needs. With licensed and insured professionals, upfront pricing, and over 100 combined years of experience in each service line, we’re committed to the safety and reliability of your electrical system.

Call Dean’s to schedule arc fault circuit breaker services in the Twin Cities area today!