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.
