Unlike a conventional circuit breaker, which detects overloads and short circuits, an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) uses advanced electronic technology to sense different arcing conditions.

The main problem that homeowners experience with AFCI circuit breakers is nuisance tripping. It's what we call it when an AFCI device trips for no apparent reason.

Circuit breakers, despite any techy magic happening beneath the surface, should be the most predictable things in the world. If they encounter a ground fault or an overcurrent/overload situation (or ...

Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) are special circuit breakers that listen for this noise in the power line and trip when they hear it.

AFCI devices look very similar to GFCI devices, in that they have a test button and a reset method, and they come in the form of circuit breakers, receptacles, or stand-alone devices.

American Circuit Breaker Manufacturers Association says new research shows advantages of AFCI circuit breakers over AFCI receptacles.