Table of Contents
How It Works
An AFCI breaker contains a microprocessor that samples the current waveform hundreds of times per second and compares it against arcing signatures. When the pattern matches — a loose connection sparking behind a wall, damaged insulation arcing to a nail — the breaker trips.
Series vs Parallel Arcs
AFCIs detect both series arcs (a loose connection in-line) and parallel arcs (a compromised insulation between conductors). Both are common fire starters.
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