Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI)

An arc fault circuit breaker or arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is a specialized safety device that prevents electrical arcs and fires. Installing an AFCI breaker can reduce your risk of a dangerous electrical arc or fire and offer peace of mind.

At Seidel Electric, electrical safety is our number one priority, and we offer a wide range of residential and commercial electrical safety services. We can conduct an electrical safety inspection and determine if you need to install an AFCI receptacle. Call us to schedule the installation of an AFCI circuit breaker in Blairstown, NJ, or elsewhere in the tri-state area.

AFCI breakers monitor electrical circuits and detect changes in electricity that could indicate a dangerous electrical arc. An electrical arc occurs when an electrical current crosses an air gap between energized and grounded components. This produces a glowing electrical discharge known as an arc. Arcs are similar to lightning and can cause fires. If the AFCI detects changes in the electrical waveform, the circuit breaker immediately interrupts the circuit, causing a power outage. AFCIs can distinguish between a dangerous arc and a harmless arc that could cause an electrical fire.

An electrical arc can form as a result of poor wiring installation, old or damaged wiring, outdated wiring, loose connections, and overloaded circuits. Most homeowners don't fully understand electrical arcs' dangers or where and when they can form. They might not even know their home's electrical wiring's condition, age, or safety. The benefits of installing AFCI receptacles are:

• Prevent dangerous electrical arcs
• Reduce risk of electrical fires
• Protect home, personal property, and your family’s health and safety
• Maintain compliance with local and federal laws and the National Electric Code
• Protect your home from long-term electrical damage caused by overloaded circuits
• Identify early warning signs of damaged, outdated, or faulty wiring

There are three main types of arc fault circuit interrupters: outlet circuit AFCI, branch feeder AFCIs, and combination type AFCI:

• Outlet Circuit AFCI – This protects against electrical arcs and fires caused at the outlet by heat-arcing faults. It prevents dangerous fires and damage to the extension cord and appliance.
• Branch Feeder AFCI – This is installed at the origin of the branch circuit or feeder and protects your branch circuit wiring and power cords from dangerous line-to-neutral and line-to-ground electrical arcs.
• Combination AFCI – This AFCI can detect all three types of dangerous electrical arcs: line-to-ground, line-to-neutral, and series arcs. It protects appliance cords, extension cords, appliances, branch circuits, and feeder wiring.

The National Electric Code requires AFCI circuit breakers for certain areas of the home. The NEC requires that AFCI protection be installed in all 120V, single-phase, 15- and 20-amp circuits that supply outlets or devices in residential kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, dens, libraries, bedrooms, rec rooms, closets, hallways, laundry rooms, parlors, and sunrooms.

Our electrical specialists will ensure that AFCI breaker installation is fully compliant with the National Electric Code and all other local and federal rules and regulations. Each member of our team has years of experience in safely installing AFCI protection in required areas of the home. Only an experienced electrical specialist should install an AFCI circuit breaker.

Your AFCI breaker should be tested monthly to ensure it is working properly. To test the breaker, open your electrical service panel and ensure the breaker switch is in the on position. Press the AFCI test button. If the breaker trips and the power goes out, the AFCI is working. You can then turn the breaker switch to the off and then on positions to reset it.

We offer comprehensive residential and commercial electrical services. Our specialists can perform an electrical safety inspection to identify health and safety issues in your home or business. We can then provide professional recommendations for electrical repairs, maintenance, or installation. Our services include:

• Residential and commercial generator services
• Heating system installation
• Home automation services
• Ceiling fan services
• Home theater services
• Security system installation
• Computer network design and installation
• Residential and commercial electrical services

At Seidel Electric, we have been providing high-quality, reliable electrical services to the tri-state area since 1944. Our knowledgeable and experienced electricians are committed to electrical safety, quality electrical work, and exceptional customer service. We are a family-owned and operated business with strong ties to our community. Our goals are to improve the electrical safety, efficiency, comfort, and convenience of your home or business through our expert electrical services.

If you can't remember the last time your home's wiring was inspected, our electrical specialists at Seidel Electric can conduct an electrical safety inspection. We can evaluate the age, condition, performance, and safety of your electrical wiring and determine if you need AFCI installation. Call or contact us online to schedule an appointment for AFCI installation in Blairstown, NJ, or throughout the tri-state area.