Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are newly-developed electrical devices designed to protect against fires caused by arcing faults in the home electrical wiring. An AFCI provides a higher level of protection than a standard circuit breaker by detecting and removing the hazardous arcing condition before it becomes a fire hazard.

AFCI Tips

• If you have a home without AFCIs, consult a qualified, licensed electrician about adding this important protection.
• Have AFCIs installed on all general purpose circuits throughout the home, particularly in older homes where arcing hazards could have developed over several years.

Press Releases

• ESFI Encourages Consumers to Install AFCIs
• ESFI: Is Your Home Safe?
• ESFI Urges Adoption of New Electrical Code
• Life-Saving AFCI's Gain Momentum in Electrical Construction
• Consumer Product Safety Commission on Preventing Home Fires: AFCIs
• Plugging into Electrical Safety

Quick Facts/Statistics

• The Electrical Safety Foundation Fact Sheet on AFCIs
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on AFCIs
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on Structure Fires in Family Dwellings
• NFPA U.S. Fire Problem Overview Report
• CPSA Fact Sheet on AFCIs

Related Articles/Websites

• Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter Technology, by Walter Smittle III