Arc fault breakers are used to detect dangerous arcs and quickly shut off the power to prevent fires. These devices are now required in many new construction homes. They can be installed by a licensed electrician and are a good way to enhance electrical safety.
These devices have come a long way since they were first invented. Today, you can find them in both commercial and residential buildings.
Arc fault circuit breakers were first introduced in the 1999 National Electrical Code, or NEC. Since then, they’ve expanded their use, becoming mandatory in some states. Although they are still not required in every home, they can be useful in areas where a small arcing fault could cause a big problem.
One of the reasons for the emergence of these devices is that electrical fires have become a growing problem. Each year, fires involving electrical equipment kill hundreds of people and cost $18 billion to repair.