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Electrical Circuit Interrupters
Protective devices capable of responding to overloads and short
circuit, such as circuit breakers, have been available for a
number of years. Newer technologies now provide enhanced
protection from arcing or ground-faults, which may prevent fires
or shock. |
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AFCIs (arc-fault circuit-interrupters)
When an
electrical switch is opened or closed, an arc, or discharge of
electricity across a circuit, occurs. Unintentional arcs can
occur at loose connections or where wires or cords have been
damaged. Such arcs can lead to high temperatures and sparking,
possibly igniting combustibles. AFCIs (arc-fault
circuit-interrupters) protect against fire by continuously
monitoring the electrical current in a circuit and shutting off
the circuit when unintended arcing occurs. These devices are
designed to discriminate between unintended arcing and the type
of arcing that occurs when a switch is operated. |
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GFCIs (ground-fault circuit-interrupters)
A ground-fault is an unintentional electrical
path between a source of electrical current and a grounded
surface. Electrical shock can occur if a person comes into
contact with an energized part. GFCIs (ground-fault
circuit-interrupters) can greatly reduce the risk of shock by
immediately shutting off an electrical circuit when that circuit
represents a shock hazard (i.e., a person comes in contact with
a faulty appliance together with a grounded surface). GFCIs can
be installed in a circuit breaker panelboard or directly in a
receptacle outlet. |
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Safety Violations Video
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Safety tips:
•
Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all
electrical devices.
• Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under
carpets.
• In homes with small children, unused wall sockets and
extension-cord receptacles should have plastic safety
covers.
• Consider having additional circuits or outlets added
by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use
extension cords.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an
appliance into a receptacle outlet.
• Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage
appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
• If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit
and have them checked by an electrician.
• When possible, avoid the use of "cube taps" and other
devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances
into a single receptacle.
• Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that
can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended
wattage.
• Never touch anything electrical when you have wet
hands.
• Don’t use electrical appliances such as hair dryers or
radios in a wet place or near water.
• If power is lost during a storm, turn off or unplug
electrical appliances so that there’s not a power surge
when the electricity comes back on.
• If there’s flooding, watch out for water around
electrical items, and never use appliances if they’re
wet.
• Never play with kites or toy planes near overhead
power lines.
• If a toy happens to get caught in a power line, don’t
attempt to remove it yourself.
• Never prune trees that are near power lines, yourself. |
Facts and figures
AFCI
installation is required by the
National Electrical Code®
(NEC) in bedrooms of new residential construction
(effective as of January 1, 2002). Bedrooms were
selected as the first area in which to implement this
requirement because of a history of fires there.
GFCI
installation is required by the NEC for
receptacles in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor areas,
basements and garages in new residential construction
because of a history of shock hazards in these areas.
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Safety tips
All
AFCIs and GFCIs, whether circuit-type or breaker-type,
should be installed by a qualified electrician.
Test AFCIs and GFCIs after installation and once a month
thereafter to make sure they are working properly.
Replace defective AFCIs and GFCIs immediately. A
defective device may create a false sense of security to
those who do not know that it is non-functional.
Choose AFCIs and GFCIs that carry the label of an
independent testing laboratory and always follow the
manufacturer's instructions.
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