Definition

An acronym for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter, a device designed to protect against fires by breaking the circuit when a dangerous electrical arc is detected. This type of circuit breaker protects against fires caused by low level arcing currents that are not detected by conventional devices that protect against excess current.

Things you need to know

Arc faults are a major cause of electrical fires due to wiring. In fact 50%-75% of home electrical fires in the United States were due to arc faults.