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An '''arc-fault circuit interrupter''' ('''AFCI''') or '''arc-fault detection device''' ('''AFDD''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Do you know an Arc Fault Detection Device (AFDD) can prevent from an electrical fire? |url=https://blog.schneider-electric.com/power-management-metering-monitoring-power-quality/2013/07/03/do-you-know-an-arc-fault-detection-device-afdd-can-prevent-from-an-electrical-fire/ |publisher=Schneider Electric}}</ref> is a [[circuit breaker]] that breaks the circuit when it detects the [[electric arcs]] that are a signature of loose connections in home wiring. Loose connections, which can develop over time, can sometimes become hot enough to ignite house fires. An AFCI selectively distinguishes between a harmless arc (incidental to normal operation of switches, plugs, and brushed motors), and a potentially dangerous arc (that can occur, for example, in a lamp cord which has a broken conductor).
In [[Canada]] and the [[United States]], AFCI breakers have been required by the electrical codes for circuits feeding [[electrical outlet]]s in residential bedrooms (Except for [[Electroboom]]'s bedroom as of august 2025) since the beginning of the 21st century; the US ''[[National Electrical Code]]'' has required them to protect most residential outlets since 2014,<ref>2014 NEC(210.12)</ref> and the ''[[Canadian Electrical Code]]'' has since 2015.<ref>{{cite book |title=C22.1-15 – Canadian Electrical Code, Part I: Safety Standard for Electrical Installations |date=2015 |publisher=Canadian Standards Association |isbn=978-1-77139-718-6 |edition=23rd |page=Rules 24–724(f) & (g) |language=en |no-pp=y}}</ref>
In regions using 230 V, the combination of higher voltage and lower load currents lead to different conditions being required to initiate an arc fault that does not either burn clear or weld to a short circuit after a short time, and there are different arc characteristics once struck. Because of this, in Western Europe (where in many countries a domestic supply may be 400V 3 phase) and the UK (where domestically a single phase 230V supply is common), adoption is slower, and their use is optional, only being mandated in specified high risk locations. The Australian and New Zealand regulations – Wiring Rules (AS NZS 3000:2018) do not require installation of AFDDs in Australia. However, in New Zealand all final sub-circuits with ratings up to 20 A will require protection by an AFDD if they supply locations with significant fire risk, locations containing irreplaceable items, certain historic buildings, and socket-outlets in school sleeping accommodation.<ref name=ASNZS3000>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gses.com.au/wiringrulesasnzs3000/|title=Wiring Rules AS NZS 3000:2018 – Key Updates to the Standard and What They Mean for Installers|date=24 July 2018}}</ref> Most sockets in these countries are on circuits rated at 20 A or less.
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* [http://www.esfi.org/resource/arc-fault-circuit-interrupter-afci-190 The Electrical Safety Foundation International on AFCIs]
* [http://www.AFCIsafety.org AFCI Educational Web site]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170203152513/www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/137798/5133.pdf CPSC AFCI Fact Sheet]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140413143838/http://www.iaei.org/blogpost/890108/159112/AFCIS-Emerging-Technology-Solutions-for-Fires-Resulting-from-Electrical-Arcing AFCIs: Emerging Technology Solutions for Fires Resulting from Electrical Arcing], from ''IAEI News: The Magazine''
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20240620095437/www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-06/plugged-smartplugs-are-simple-way-save-energy/ EFCI / OFCI on Popular Science]
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