Arc-fault circuit interrupter: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 04:35, 26 August 2025

Latest revision as of 03:42, 31 August 2025

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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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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.