Why Arc Fault Breakers and AFCI Protection Matters

If you live in a newer home, you may have heard your electrician mention arc fault breakers, also called AFCIs. You may also have heard frustration about them tripping or even suggestions to remove them. Before anyone takes that step, it’s important to understand what arc fault protection actually does and why it exists.

What Is an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)?

An AFCI, or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter, is designed to protect your home from electrical fires caused by arcing in wiring. An arc happens when electricity jumps across a small gap in a damaged or compromised wire. That jump creates heat, and heat inside walls can ignite surrounding materials like wood or insulation.

Unlike a standard breaker, which only trips during overloads or short circuits, an AFCI monitors the electrical waveform itself. When arcing occurs, the smooth electrical signal becomes distorted. The AFCI detects that abnormal pattern and shuts the circuit down before heat builds to dangerous levels.

Real-World Example: TV Mounting

A common example is wall-mounted TVs. If a screw or lag bolt accidentally penetrates a wire inside the wall, the circuit may continue to function normally on a standard breaker. But that damaged wire can arc internally.

An AFCI recognizes the abnormal signal caused by that arc and trips the breaker, preventing potential fire inside the wall. That trip is not a nuisance. It’s the breaker doing its job.

Types of Arcing AFCIs Protect Against

AFCIs are designed to detect multiple types of arcs:

• Series arcs, where a damaged conductor causes arcing along a single wire

• Parallel arcs, where electricity jumps between hot and neutral or hot and ground, often caused by staples, nails, or screws
  

Modern AFCIs are built to detect both types, providing much broader protection than older systems.

Combo AFCI/GFCI Breakers in Newer Homes

In many newer homes, breakers provide both AFCI and GFCI protection in a single device. This protects against fire risk from arcing and shock risk from ground faults.

This isn’t just a cost increase or unnecessary complication. It’s based on real fire data and evolving electrical safety standards.

Should an AFCI Ever Be Removed?

In most cases, no. If an AFCI is tripping, it’s usually detecting a real issue.

There are limited situations where code does not require AFCI protection in a specific location. That would be the only valid reason to remove it. Otherwise, removing an AFCI eliminates a critical layer of fire protection.

One exception can be circuits with certain motor loads, which can mimic arcing behavior. In those cases, the correct solution is circuit isolation or proper load design, not removing protection entirely.

The Bottom Line

If an electrician suggests removing arc fault protection, ask why. A qualified electrician should be able to clearly explain whether it’s a code exception or a load issue. AFCIs are there to protect your home, your family, and everything inside your walls.