Is An Arc Fault Circuit Breaker The Same As A GFI Beaker?
No! The arc fault circuit breaker is designed primarily to protect against fires. The GFI circuit breaker is designed primarily to protect against shock. • The Canadian Electrical Code requires that all new homes shall have arc fault circuit breakers protecting bedroom circuits. • These breakers sense the stability of current flow through the circuit. When the internal circuitry of the breaker senses a disruption in the current flow, it will automatically determine if the disruption is a normal occurrence or an arcing situation. The breaker will automatically trip if arcing is identified. • Although these breakers are quite costly, you may consider upgrading in older homes to give an early warning of failing wiring.
