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How do arc-fault circuit breakers sense arcing conditions?

April 26, 2017arc-fault breakers circuit electrical electricity Engineering physical Physics sciences

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How do arc-fault circuit breakers sense arcing conditions?

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Arc-fault circuit breakers contain a specially designed microprocessor, which monitors current flow through the device. Arcing electricity, such as from a pinched lamp cord, produces an irregular current flow pattern. The microprocessor in the device is designed to “recognize” this irregular current pattern and trip the device – disconnecting power from the circuit.