Electricity - Ground Fault or Arc Fault

No one can deny the enormous convenience that electricity brings into our lives. It lights our homes, gives us heat in cold winter nights, and help us get cool in summer. Every aspect of human life depends on electricity for convenience and productivity. Yet, everyone knows that electricity can be a friend or a foe, so some kind of protection need to be in place.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) are devices that keep us safe from electrical injuries and damages.

GFCI help prevent burns and electric shocks. Simply put, it is a current sensor. It is a device that monitors the current flowing through the hot and neutral wires. If there is an imbalance, it means electricity is leaving the normal circuit and flowing through unintended paths and if you happen to be in the path of this current, it is going to pass through you as it goes to the ground. GFCI detects this imbalance and shuts off the power to the circuit before it can cause you electrical shock or even kill you.

GFCI is best installed in pools and in our homes. GFCI is usually installed in areas where water and electricity meet. Water is an electric conductor, so it is best we protect our bathrooms and kitchens by installing GFCI protection. There is a greater risk of electrical shock in areas that are wet or damp.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters protect against broken conductors, and help prevent fires from faulty electrical wires. Electricity may leak out of damaged wires and can start a fire. AFCI detects leaking electricity from the electrical system, and shuts off the electricity before overheating occurs.

Homes with too many corded appliances must be installed with AFCI. Most appliance cords are routed under furniture or carpets. This is not safe because the cords may be damaged by the items placed over them. Or sometimes, wires are damaged because some friendly household rats are nibbling into them. When these cords are cut or damaged, the broken conductor is going to arc and continues to arc until a circuit breaker trips. Sometimes the carpets burns and fire breaks out even before the circuit trips.

AFCI can detect the initial arc resulting from broken conductors and immediately shuts the power off. And this device can differentiate normal arc, like turning a switch on and off, or unplugging a cord from an arc that is going to cause a problem. It can detect wiring problems in our homes that we may not even be aware of.

Basically, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters prevent shocks while Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters prevent fires. They can be installed by a qualified electrician to make our homes safer. 

Doing Electrical Work

When planning for home improvements, homeowners take into consideration not only the price of materials but also the amount of labor. This is the reason most homeowners go the do-it-yourself route. There is a proliferation of DIY books both in bookstores and in the internet. There are even free do-it-yourself tips on home improvements in the web. Homeowners who feel they have what it takes can install tiles, maybe paint or refinish parts of their house. A little mistake is not going to produce drastic consequences or cost them a fortune to correct.

But when it comes to electrical works, it is best for homeowners to leave the job in the hands of the professionals. Even a tiny mistake can cost them not only their homes but also their lives.

Most people who love to do-it-themselves think all they need for an electrical job is a set of electrical tools, forgetting that there is a special skill and know-how needed to do the job right, and overlooking the possible dangers that is involved in the job.

A little oversight can cause huge problems. Many overzealous homemakers hurt themselves through electrical shock by forgetting to shut off the power before they start electrical work. Without the proper qualifications, one can easily mess up the wiring and the result can be disastrous. For the safety of the house, it is critical that all electrical wiring be stable and secure. Firemen attest that most of house fires are caused by faulty electrical wiring.

Trying to save money by doing it yourself is not worth the risk. It may be fine after your quick fix but it could be dangerous down the line. Leave electrical jobs to the professionals. They have the training, the skill, and the ability to do it, and you feel more secure and safe.

Of course, you don’t want to hire the first electrician that comes around but don’t worry because there are steps you can do in order to find a top-quality electrician at an affordable price.

Find a list of qualified electricians locally. They are more careful to do a good job to maintain their integrity and business reputation in the locality. Checking with your homeowner’s association is a good option or talking to your neighbors and friends who might give you the names of their own electrical contractors is a good start. 

Check their references. Ask previous customers about the quality of their jobs and how much they were charged for similar projects so you know when you are being over-charged. Your need for an electrician depends on how large your project is. Will a master electrician be enough for your project or do you need him with a journeyman? Of course, hiring only one costs less.

Consider buying the materials yourself. Ask the electricians what kind of materials or lights they need, and you can then purchase them at wholesale stores to save more on your budget.

Some reputable electricians can be found online. You can then check if their specialties match your electrical service needs and you may even read comments and reviews of their projects on their sites. 

Request a quote and see what happens. A reputable electrician can give you a quote on the phone or visit your premises without charge to give you an assessment. The electrician who does not provide free quotes shows inexperience or may take the opportunity to extract money from you.

Hiring a reputable and competent electrician need not put too much dent on your budget. The important thing is be a little patient and never do the job that is meant for the professionals.