Arc Fault Circuit Breakers (AFCBs) serve as specialized safety devices designed to address faults that standard circuit breakers might overlook. While standard circuit breakers detect faults when current exceeds the maximum value, AFCBs focus on faults that occur when current falls below this threshold. An electric arc flash, a potential fire hazard, can occur when a current passes through an air gap between conductors due to factors like dust, rust, improper installation, or wear and tear. AFCBs detect irregularities in the current wave, addressing this contrary to the heat detection capability of standard breakers. Upon detecting abnormalities, AFCBs trip, cutting off the connection to prevent electrical fires.
Explore more about the role of Arc Fault Circuit Breakers (AFCBs) in home safety here.