Shock & Fire Prevention

Electrical hazards that can lead to severe injury and even electrocution often go undetected because electricity is unseen and unheard. An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is a circuit breaker designed to prevent fires by detecting a non-working electrical arc and disconnecting the power before the arc starts a fire. An arcing fault can be caused by damaged, overheated, or stressed wiring, cables, or appliances.

Conventional circuit breakers only respond to overloads and short circuits, so they do not protect against arcing conditions that produce erratic current. An AFCI is selective, de-energizing the unwanted arc, reducing the likelihood of fire. AFCIs resemble a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), although there are important differences.

GFCIs are designed to protect against electrical shock, while AFCIs are primarily designed to protect against arcing or fire. A GFCI detects any change in electrical current and abruptly switches off the power before electrocution can occur.  The National Electrical Code requires GFCI devices intended to protect people and interrupt the circuit if the leakage current exceeds a range of 4–6 mA of current.

Thomas Edison Electric professionals can install new AFCIs and GFCIs to protect your business. Because insulation on wires can crack from age and heat or be chewed by rodents, wires can be punctured by nails, and moisture or contaminants can exist between conductors of different voltage, among other -- not easily seen problems, it is essential to call licensed practitioners to evaluate and upgrade your electrical system to safeguard your employees and customers.

Thomas Edison Electric is at your service!