GFCI and AFCI Electrical Circuit Breakers

©Copyright Dave Rongey Summary: When properly installed, the electrical wiring in your home is protected by a circuit protection device. Home wiring in the past was commonly protected by fuses. Today, modern house wiring is protected by electrical circuit breakers which are installed in the electrical service panels. Sponsored Links

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Circuit breakers serving your house wiring circuits are intended for switching and protection of your home's wiring from high temperatures caused by excess current higher than the rating of the wire. While thermal-magnetic circuit breakers are the key element for overload and short-circuit protection of your electrical system, there are potentially dangerous conditions that do not involve overcurrent. The following circuit breakers should be utilized to provide further protection.

The Importance of Electrical Circuit Breakers

GFCI and AFCI circuits
Residential Circuit Breakers
Combination Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI)

Combination AFCIs protect against all three possible types of arc fault: line-to-ground, line-to-neutral arcs, and series arcs and thus significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires. They feature a unique LED trip indicator, providing a valuable analysis tool to help to pinpoint the type of trip and reduce the time spent debugging the house wiring circuits.

Branch/Feeder Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI)

AFCIs are new electrical safety devices used for some of the house wiring circuits that provide protection against arcing faults. These devices recognize characteristics unique to arcing and de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected. Arc faults may occur for many reasons such as worn electrical insulation or damaged wire, misapplied or damaged appliance cords and equipment, loose electrical connections, or driving a nail into a wall and having it inadvertently hit a wire. The possibility of arcing grows as a home ages since age and time will contribute to the possibility of these conditions occurring.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

GFCIs are an effective means of preventing severe electrical shock. GFCIs are installed serving required house wiring circuits to protect areas of the home where electrical appliances or products may come into contact with water, such as the kitchen, bathroom or laundry. They are designed to protect against severe electrical shock or electrocution from ground faults. Ground faults occur when the electrical current in an appliance strays outside its normal path, and the human body becomes part of the path through which the electrical current may flow.

Circuit Breaker and Surge Arresters