AFCI breakers have changed the electrical wiring game

Rick Brignall

UNLESS YOU’VE BUILT a new cottage or done major renovations, you may not realize just how dramatically Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) breakers have changed the electrical trade over the past decade. Most house fires caused by electricity start with an arc fault—essentially, current jumping across a gap in a circuit. Arc faults are usually caused by damaged, stressed, or loose wiring. AFCIs are highly sensitive breakers that constantly monitor an electrical circuit, protecting you from electrical fires. GFCI breakers, on the other hand, trip when electricity takes an unexpected detour into the ground and could electrocute you. To be code compliant, most new 120-volt circuits with a 20- or 15-amp receptacle need AFCI protection. The few exceptions include some kitchen receptacles (counter, island, and fridge), bathroom sink receptacles, and…

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Cottage Life (Digital) - 1 Issue, September/October 2024

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