Leviton’s new Dual Function AFCI/GFCI receptacle protects homeowners from the dangers of both arc and ground faults.
Homeowners may take wall receptacles for granted, but the truth is they protect household occupants from unseen dangers. By incorporating ground and arc fault circulators into one wall receptacle, the odds of major home destruction or personal injuries decrease.
Given the two types of receptacles, the average homeowner may not understand why using both devices is essential for complete safety. This is where a combined AFCI/GFCI receptacle makes a name for itself.
Why are Circuit Interrupters Important?
Circuit interrupters protect homes behind the scenes from electrical shocks or arcs. These devices are standard in every home or building, with the National Electrical Code mandating their use in 1971.
Currently, two types of circuit interrupters exist: ground fault (GFCI) and arc fault (AFCI).
GFCIs help prevent electrocutions and are commonly found where circuits may accidentally come into contact with water. Bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas are common rooms with GFCIs. According to the Energy Education Council, GFCIs can sense if an individual receives a shock and will shut off power for added protection against electrocution.
But GFCIs don’t guard against arc faults like AFCIs are able to. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association explained how AFCIs prevent arc faults from occurring by sensing various arcing conditions, such as humidity or heat. If left unchecked, arc faults can heat particles 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which may ignite surrounding insulation or wood framework. ACFI receptacles are also capable of sensing hazardous arc faults and shutting off power when necessary.
The Benefits of an AFCI/GFCI Receptacle
According to Leviton, an all-encompassing receptacle offers shock and fire protection in one convenient package that’s able to distinguish between an arc fault trip or a trip caused by a ground fault.
Additionally, the SmartPro AFCI/GFCI Receptacle meets NEC protection standards and offers the convenience of localized “test” and “reset” buttons on the device’s face.
Homeowners will even see a status indicator light on the receptacle face that provides a visual representation on protection status. A solid green indicates everything is working normal, while a solid or flashing red indicates the device has tripped and needs to be reset.
While electrical safety devices are required in every home, there may not always be a clear distinction between arc and ground fault dangers or why there’s a need for two types of receptacles. Luckily, there’s a solution in the form of the SmartPro Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Receptacle, which provides protection against ground and arc fault dangers in one convenient wall receptacle.
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