Last month we took a deep dive into branch circuit and feeder requirements and covered some common myths about GFCI protection, using AFCI and GFCI requirements in Article 210 as a guide. This month’s column will look at the arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) and discuss some more common myths. So, let’s jump right in.

Myth No. 1

AFCI circuit breakers are not compatible with motor-operated appliances.

In the early days of the AFCI circuit breaker revolution, it was not uncommon to hear stories about how an old treadmill or chest freezer couldn’t be connected to a branch circuit protected by AFCI because the motor would trip the AFCI when it was running, starting up or shutting down. This led to a lot of horror stories and animosity toward the new technology. Since the appliances never had a problem working without AFCI, that must be the problem, right? 

Unfortunately, many old appliances were not built to the rigorous product safety standards we have today and were often operated in a manner that created the exact arcing that AFCI technology was trying to detect. The AFCI was doing exactly what it was designed to do, and the issue was most likely that the appliance was causing the tripping. 

Granted, there was a time when the technology still needed some refinement, but it sparked a massive (and inaccurate) general opinion that the only thing an AFCI circuit breaker would do is give people headaches trying to solve a nuisance-­tripping issue when the appliance used a motor. Today’s AFCI technology has been polished into a very reliable and important aspect of modern, safe electrical installations. Yet, as good as it is, that doesn’t stop the rumors about how “my uncle’s best friend’s brother knows a guy who knows a lady that had an entire panel of AFCI circuit breakers that wouldn’t hold.” 

If an AFCI circuit breaker is tripping and is suspected of being a false trip, contact the manufacturer to see what the issue truly is.

Myth No. 2

AFCI circuit breakers are too expensive and make home ownership out of reach for most first-time buyers.

It is true that the days of a cheap singlepole, 15A or 20A circuit breaker have gone the way of the dodo bird, and AFCI circuit breakers are definitely more expensive than those without it. However, a recent search of several home improvement websites shows that for 15A and 20A AFCI circuit breakers, the average cost is a little under $60 for single-pole AFCI devices. 

Even if a new home has a higher-­than-average number of circuits, that is still roughly around 20–25 branch circuits required to be AFCI, which means the total cost of circuit breakers with AFCI would run somewhere between $1,200 and $1,500. This is a very small number compared to the average home price in the United States of around $440,000. 

Considering that non-AFCI circuit breakers still have a cost, you are really only increasing the price of the electrical installation by around $800–$1,000 to add technology that can detect dangerous conditions that could lead to a tragic fire. While it might be difficult for young and new homebuyers to get into owning a home these days, the AFCI circuit breaker requirement is certainly not the cause. 

Myth No. 3

AFCIs don’t make a house less likely to have a fire than those without AFCI protection.

OK, so this one isn’t so much a myth as it is a troublesome way to look at the issue. First off, it is impossible to look at a house that didn’t have a fire and say, “That house didn’t burn down because it has AFCI circuit breakers.” It is also impossible to say why a house without AFCI didn’t burn down. It is entirely possible that both houses had properly installed electrical systems and had no damage to the wiring system that would lead to an electrical fire. 

However, according to Electrical Safety Foundation International’s website, roughly 35,000 fires start every year due to faulty electrical systems, and many causes are precisely what an AFCI is meant to detect. When digging a little further into the subject, a majority of the fires caused by the electrical system were due to some form of arcing happening in the branch circuit or in the appliance connected to the branch circuit. An AFCI would detect and interrupt this arcing before it started a damaging fire. 

This conversation is similar to wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle. If you get from point A to point B without getting into an accident and being injured, was it because you wore your seatbelt or because you were a good driver? Most likely it was because you were a good driver, but you still wore your seatbelt because it reduces the risk of being seriously injured if an accident occurs. 

AFCI devices are about reducing the risk of home fires, and they do this by not allowing an arc to persist long enough to start the fire. Just like a seatbelt, we install AFCIs to reduce risk. We might drive our whole lives and never have a moment where the seatbelt saves our lives, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop wearing mine anytime soon.

Myth No. 4

AFCI protection is only required in the bedrooms of a home.

Yes, this is where it all began, with a requirement for branch circuits supplying receptacle outlets in bedrooms to be protected by AFCI. However, the requirement has expanded over time into other areas of the home, since many of the same reasons why this technology was needed in the bedroom exist in other parts of the house. 

Appliances have faulty wiring, receptacle terminations have loose connections and pictures are hung in the living room and dining area just as they are in bedrooms. It is a fact that any branch circuit installed in a home has the possibility of being damaged after the installation and causing an arc fault. 

However, there are still a few areas where AFCI protection is not required, which will be discussed in future articles as we explore Section 210.12's AFCI requirements. Whether you are on team AFCI or not, the existence of a device that can detect a condition that, if left unchecked, can lead to ignition of building or other flammable materials is a big step toward safeguarding people and property from the hazards arising from the use of electricity. 

Next month’s article will go back to protecting personnel from electric shock with a discussion of the GFCI requirements found in the NEC. 

Until next time, stay safe and remember to always test before you touch! 

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