How Arc Fault Breakers Help Prevent Home Fires

Electrical arc between two wires

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.

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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

arc faults guide graphic

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 However, these homes also often have outdated electrical systems.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

Do I need to replace all my breakers with AFCBs?

No, you typically only need to replace the standard breakers with arc fault circuit breakers (AFCBs) in specific areas required by electrical codes, such as bedrooms and kitchens, to enhance safety against arc faults. However, choosing to install AFCBs in other areas of your home can also reduce the risk of electrical fires caused by arc faults, offering additional protection and peace of mind.

What does it mean if my AFCI breaker trips frequently?

Frequent tripping of an AFCI breaker may indicate underlying issues such as faulty wiring, damaged appliances, or loose connections. It’s important to have a qualified electrician inspect the circuit to identify and resolve the cause to prevent potential electrical hazards.

Contact Dean’s for Electrical Services

Electrician using digital multi-meter to check current voltage at circuit breaker in main distribution board.

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!