At times, electrical equipment suffers some kind of harm, which can result in fires, accidents, and even death. Did you know that 20 percent of all fires in Canada are due to electrical malfunctions? That is a lot of fires. In recent times, however, electricians have been using circuit breakers, devices which help prevent electric fires and injuries in possessions. Here’s why circuit breaker protection is crucial.
Circuit Breakers Protection Against Electrical Fires and Shocks
Circuit breakers often prevent electrical fires and shocks from possessions. Over the past years, newer homes have come with circuit breakers since they provide more safety than fuses when set up with modern electric systems. Learn more here.
The objective of circuit breakers today is to help keep possessions safe from electrical hazards which were previously undetectable. A circuit breaker shuts off power when it finds a problem on a circuit which may result in an electrical fire or shock. To acquire a better understanding of how circuit breakers protect a property, here’s a look at the 2 types of chainsaw.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
These devices protect against arc faults — dangerous electrical problems due to damaged, overheated, or stressed electrical wiring or apparatus. Arc faults can happen, for example, when a nail or screw damages a cable behind a wall, or whenever outlets or circuits are overburdened. Such arcs can lead to high temperatures and sparking, maybe igniting the flammable things near.
AFCIs track the circuit and prevent the flow when a potentially dangerous condition is discovered. Studies show that AFCIs could prevent more than half of the electrical fires that happen each year.
AFCI installation is required by the Canadian Electric Code for pollutants in all areas of new homes, constituting bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations. AFCIs can be set up as a circuit breaker in a breaker panel or as a wall socket.
There are several types of AFCIs, such as combination breaker AFCI, branch/feeder AFCI breaker, and dual AFCI, and GFCI breakers. An electrician ought to know the best sort of AFCI protection in a house.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs offer circuit breaker protection against the risks of electric shock caused by ground flaws. A ground fault is an accidental electrical path between a source of electrical current and a grounded surface. GFCIs sense ground faults and closed off the circuit when, for instance, an individual comes in contact with a faulty appliance, along with a grounded surface.
These circuit breakers are necessary on circuits where water resources might be present — baths, garages, outside regions, and in spa regions within the house. Much like AFCIs, GFCIs can be installed as a circuit breaker in a panelboard or within a socket. They can greatly prevent serious electrical shock to individuals.
Without question, circuit breakers add greater security against shocks and fires on your property. However, always consult a qualified electrician when installing and choosing such devices. Click here to find out more.
For professional fire damage and smoke odor removal, contact your Regional PuroClean office!
Having circuit breaker security in possessions might help prevent fires, however, unfortunately, it’s not a promise. If a fire occurs, PuroClean Orillia stands ready to give property owners fire damage restoration and smoke cleanup services 24/7. Our technicians can bring any fire-damaged land to pre-loss condition with urgency and compassion.
