We get asked this question frequently while out on a home inspection so I thought I would share a video to help describe the phenomenon of the arc fault and explain what an arc fault breaker, or AFCI breaker is and why you need them. Newer homes already have these devices installed but older homes can benefit from installing these devices as well.
According to Wikipedia:
An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is a circuit breaker designed to prevent fires by detecting a non-working (i.e., non-intended/non-useful) electrical arc and disconnecting the power before the arc starts a fire. An AFCI should, but may not always, distinguish between a working arc that may occur in the brushes of a vacuum cleaner, on operation of a light switch, on insertion / removal of a plug into an electrical receptacle, or during the operation of other household devices and a non-working arc that can occur — for example a lamp cord that has a broken conductor in the cord from overuse. Arc faults in a home are one of the leading causes for household fires.
This YouTube video explains how installing an arc fault circuit interrupter, or often referred to as an arc fault breaker, or AFCI breaker can provide a new level of safety for the electrical systems of older homes.
