Smyrna Electrician GFCI AFCI

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter are Required by the National Electrical Code

Complex electrical wiring systems for the modern structures in Smyrna, GA, require reliable safety equipment to protect the building and its occupants. Among these devices, none are more important than the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and the Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI).

Understanding Ground Fault Interruption

In your Smyrna Georgia home or commercial structure, electricity typically flows out through the “hot” wire and returns to complete the sequence on the “neutral” wire. However, a ground fault occurs when the electrical cycle is interrupted and electricity unintentionally flows into the ground instead. A faulty appliance, leaking current from a motor or capacitor that comes in contact with wet hands can send a shock from the “hot” side through the person into the ground.

GFI devices constantly monitor the current flow from hot to neutral. If the device senses any leakage of 5 milliamps or more, it shuts the current down on both the “hot” and grounded connectors in one thirtieth of a second. This interrupts the fault loop prior to the absorption of a potentially lethal dose of electrical current.

Arc Fault Interruption Explained

The National Fire Protection Association reported that between 1994 and 1998, 73,500 electrical fires occurred annually that resulted in 591 deaths and property damage of over a billion dollars. 82% of these fires were caused by arcing rather than short circuits or circuit overload.

Arc faults are unintended electrical discharges that produce arcs and erratic current that can ignite combustible materials and may result in catastrophic fires. This condition often occurs due to damaged electrical home wiring or in improperly wired electrical panels.

Unlike AFCI’s, conventional circuit breakers are incapable of detecting arc fault incidents. AFCI’s recognize an arc fault by identifying a characteristic wave the arc produces. When an arc of unacceptable intensity is discovered, the electrical circuit breaker trips and the flow of electricity to the location is discontinued.

Importance of Professional Installation

The use and installation of both GFI and AFI devices are strictly regulated by the National Electric Code in terms of appropriate placement and usage in your Smyrna home or office building. AFCI’s and GFCI breakers require installation by a licensed electrician at the electrical panel where there is still a live and potentially lethal current even if the main breaker is opened.

Only a trained professional master electrician, like those from Thrasher Electric, LLC, should complete this type of installation or retrofit. A licensed Smyrna electrical contractor has the tools and expertise necessary to evaluate the structure for any potential electrical wiring issues and complete the installation safely.

More reading:

• Residential Electrician
• Security System Electrician