Orlando Arc-Fault Breaker Installation
Arc fault breakers or arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are required by the National Electrical Code for many electrical circuits in Orlando homes. Arcs, in electrical terms, can often be an intended function, but sometimes, like when a tree falls on a power line during a storm, there can be a current discharge either between two conductors or to the ground that can be extremely dangerous. Unintended arc faults are created by a current flowing through an unplanned path, and they create an excessive amount of heat that can easily start a fire (often, these can be hotter than 10,000°F).
How AFCIs Protect Your Home
At Solaris Electric, we understand the dangers of arc faults, and we can help you make sure that your home is properly protected against such dangers. AFCIs will help reduce the risk of your electrical system becoming the source of a fire, and we can make sure that they’re installed in the parts of your home where they’re needed. Our electricians are all licensed, professionally trained, and extensively experienced, so we can guarantee that we’ll be able to make sure your home and your electrical system are completely safe at all times.
Call us today to schedule a safety inspection, or to ask any questions you may have about arc fault breakers and your Orlando home.
What Is the Difference Between an AFCI and GFCI?
The function of a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) is to protect people directly from the hazards of electrical shocks. If you’re using an electrical appliance or tool that’s becoming energized due to a ground fault, GFCIs will cut off that power before the electricity has a chance to reach your body.
On the other hand, AFCIs provide protection against arc-faults, which can easily start fires and potentially damage your Orlando home or cause serious or fatal injury to anyone in your household.
Does Every Outlet in My Home Need to Be an AFCI
AFCI outlets will be installed by our electricians at the first outlet in a branch circuit, so they’ll be able to provide protection to the remaining outlets in the branch. You will only need an AFCI outlet to be the first in the branch.