This fact sheet describes the arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI), which is a newly-developed electrical device designed to protect against fires caused by arcing faults in home electrical wiring. The fact sheet describes how arcing faults cause fire hazards, and explains how AFCIs work, where AFCIs should be used and how to install and test an AFCI. The fact sheet also clarifies the difference between arc fault circuit interrupters and ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs.
3 pages