AFCI Outlets: What Homeowners Should Know

Preventing house fires is a top priority for every homeowner. Some refuse to leave the stove unattended, while others triple-check that they blew out the $300 Opulent Ambrosia candle (that seemed like a good deal at the time, okay?).

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Unfortunately, they often overlook their electrical system and the potential consequences of its failure. An arc fault circuit interrupter outlet (AFCI) is an essential component for preventing electrical fires.

What Is an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlet?

An AFCI outlet is a wall receptacle that cuts power to its circuit when it detects dangerous arcing. Arcing occurs when electricity skips over a gap in a connection, such as a wall switch, wires or a circuit breaker. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical failures and malfunctions caused 13% of home fires between 2015 and 2019. Considering that arcing was the ignition source in the majority of those fires, scheduling an electrical inspection should be on everyone’s to-do list.

When and Where Is an ACFI Outlet Required?

While state and local governments may impose their own requirements, the National Electrical Code states that an AFCI outlet should be installed on branch circuits that bring power to outlets and devices in nearly every part of a home, including the kitchen, bedrooms and living room.

Because you only need an AFCI on the branch circuit, the first outlet or device wired to the breaker, you don’t have to worry about replacing all your home outlets to be safe and up to code.

What Is an Arc Fault?

An arc fault occurs when broken or faulty wiring causes an unintentional electrical discharge, such as a spark. There are two types of arc faults: series arc faults and parallel arc faults.

An arc fault may be caused by:

• Loose electrical connections.

  Gaps in connections and terminals provide an opportunity for arcing to occur.

• Corrosion.

  When terminal connections corrode, it can create an arc fault.

• Broken insulation.

  Broken, torn and missing insulation on electrical wiring provides space for arcing as the wires are now partially exposed.

• Electrical overload.

  Overloading a circuit with too many appliances with too high power consumption can lead to arcing.

• Moisture exposure.

  Over time, insulation gets degraded by water.

• Appliance failure.

  Appliance failures causing arc faults mostly happen with older appliances.

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Arcing Condition: Identification and Risks

While sparks are easy to identify, not all electrical discharges announce themselves. To determine if you might have an arc fault, check if the wiring is generating a lot of heat. The heat from an arc fault sometimes reaches over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. If an arc fault occurs near a flammable material such as wood, it can easily ignite a fire that can spread to engulf an entire home. Next, listen for strange noises. As electricity suddenly discharges, it can make a crackling or a buzzing sound.

The best prevention for arcing conditions is to eliminate what causes it. Worn insulation, corroded connections and loose connections all provide an environment conducive to allowing an arcing fault. If you have electrical appliances with faulty internal wiring, they can cause arcing conditions. Additionally, look around for any crushed or pinched wires.

How Does an AFCI Differ From a Normal Electrical Outlet?

There are about 14 outlets regularly used around the country, but most people recognize the 15-amp and GFCI outlets over the rest. At a passing glance, the AFCI and 15-amp outlets may look the same, but when you look closer, two differences will immediately stand out.

AFCI outlets have two buttons. They're labeled "Test" and "Reset." You can test that the AFCI outlet works by pressing the Test button, but after it's detected dangerous arcing and interrupted the circuit, everything on that circuit stops receiving electricity. Press the Reset button and everything goes back to normal.

A GFCI, ground fault circuit interrupter, also has "Test" and "Reset" buttons. This outlet is mostly used in areas that expect moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. GFCI outlets are designed to protect from shock caused by ground faults. While the AFCI monitors its circuit for arcing behavior, the GFCI looks for imbalances between the neutral wire and the live wire.