September 30, 2015

Your Professional Source For 
Electrical Safety


Greetings From the Professionals.

We hope everyone enjoyed their summer and are now taking the time to enjoy the beauty around us as the colors of fall emerge.

They say where there's smoke there's fire. But when it comes to electrical fires, you don't always see the smoke. By the time you do it's too late, and the flames are already climbing up behind your walls.
 
In this month's issue we would like to educate you a little on AFCI Protection in your home. What this device is how it works, what are the benefits, where they are required and just how this inexpensive device protects your home from electrical fires.
What is Arc Fault & When Does This Occur?      
   
An arc fault is an unintended arc created by current flowing through an unplanned path. If supplied with sufficient energy an electrical arc can cause damage in the form of a fire or injury. Arcing occurs in everyday applications in our homes. When we flip a light switch there is a brief low energy arc. Thankfully, an AFCI can detect the difference between harmless arcing and potentially hazardous arcing.
 

 
Typical Causes of Arc Faults Are:

1. Arcing in installed electrical wiring from physical damage such as:
  • Wires accidently punctured by nails or screws
  • Cables that are stapled tightly against wall studs
  • Animal and vermin chewing through wiring insulation
  • Heat, humidity and voltage stress
2. Arcing at loose connections or joints in the circuit or at outlets

3. Arcing in appliance or extension cord
  • Bent or crimped cords
  • Brittle or aged cords
  • Cords under or behind furniture
What Is An AFCI?  

An AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) is an inexpensive safety device for your home that provides protection from electric fires, which are twice as deadly as other home fires. AFCI detects arc faults, it can stop fires before they occur. An AFCI detects irregular flows in electricity, and shuts electricity off if there is a problem.

 How Does An AFCI Work? 

An AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) distinguishes between arcing in every day applications, such as arcing in the brushed motor in a cordless drill, from potentially dangerous arcing such as a broken conductor in a receptacle. An AFCI continuously monitors the current in its inner circuitry and detects when there is an abnormal arcing occurring. Once it senses an irregularity it opens its inner contacts and de-energizes the circuit within milliseconds of the issue.

 
What Are The Types of AFCI's?
         
Both AFCI circuit breakers and receptacles are made to detect both series and parallel arcing conditions. However, an AFCI receptacle will not protect against parallel arcing upstream of the device as the current path does not flow through the AFCI receptacle. An AFCI breaker is located in the service panel and when tripped, requires the user to reset the breaker at the panel. An AFCI outlet replaces a standard outlet and when tripped, requires the user to reset by pressing a button located on the outlet. A combination AFCI circuit breaker will protect the entire circuit. 

Rec eptacle Type
  • Used in place of the standard duplex receptacle.
  • Fits into a standard outlet box and protects against arc-faults for whatever is plugged into the outlet.
  • AFCI receptacles with a test and reset button are available and can save you the trip to the breaker panel. Safe and Convenient.
Circuit Breaker Type
  • A circuit breaker with a built in AFCI may be installed in a panel box to add protection to the circuits it supplies.
  • AFCI circuit breakers must be installed on all branch circuits supplying receptacles in bedrooms by the Canadian Electrical Code.
  • AFCI breakers have a test button. Once pushed, the test button should de-energize the circuit. 
Combination Type
  • This is an AFCI that protects against both series and parallel arcing.
 
Where AFCI's Should Be Used?
 

It is required by the Canadian Electrical Code that all branch circuits in bedrooms (sleeping areas) of dwelling units must be AFCI protected by an AFCI breaker in the panel.

AFCI breakers can be installed on circuits with GFCI protection, it will not interfere with operation of GFCI receptacles. 

  
How & When To Test AFCI outlets....
 

Many people don't check their AFCIs to verify they are working. AFCIs are electronic devices that can be damaged or wear out. The electrical receptacle in an AFCI may continue to function, even if the AFCI circuit no longer works. If this is the case, have a qualified electrician replace it as soon as possible.

AFCI's should be tested monthly to ensure they are in working condition.


 

 In a receptacle-type arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI), pushing the TEST button should turn off power to the circuit. To restore power, press the RESET button. To test circuit breaker arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI's) push the TEST button. The breaker handle should go to the middle or off position. To reset, move the breaker handle to the OFF position and then to the ON position.

Remember when dealing with electricity always be safe, if you are unsure always call the professionals we are here to help.

Professional Electrical  is happy to answer your questions and take care of any electrical concerns when it comes to GFCI's or any other electrical services you may require.

Save 10% Off Any AFCI Work

Save now on your homes  AFCI's protection.
Book your appointment   before October 31st 2015 and mention this Newsletter to receive a 10% discount on any AFCI work or install.


Sandy Nanda                                             
780-476-1413
Remember the best way to keep your home safe is preventative maintenance. 

Always be safe around any electricity in and around your home. If you are not sure on what to do, don't take a chance, call a professional. Always keep you and your family safe.