When purchasing a home, it’s easy to focus on aesthetic details like the kitchen’s layout or the backyard’s size. However, one critical aspect that should not be overlooked is the safety and functionality of the electrical system. New NH Home Inspector Standards of Practice require home inspectors to notate the presence or absence of ARC Fault Circuit Breakers, but your inspection report likely doesn’t go into detail as to what they actually do. In this post, we’ll explore what ARC fault circuit breakers are and how they come into play.

Home Inspections: A Safety Net for Buyers
A home inspection is an essential step in the home-buying process. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of a property’s condition, identifying potential issues before you finalize the purchase. While home inspections cover various aspects—from structural integrity to plumbing—one crucial area they address is the electrical system. There are many new different types of circuit breakers that you may find in your new home that you have not seen before. It is important to hire an experienced inspector that understands how these systems work to protect you.

Electrical inspections during a home inspection can reveal outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, and other safety hazards. These issues can be expensive to fix and, more importantly, can pose serious safety risks, including the risk of electrical fires.

Understanding ARC Fault Circuit Breakers
ARC fault circuit breakers (AFCIs) are designed to enhance electrical safety by detecting and interrupting arc faults in the electrical system. An arc fault occurs when there’s an unintended electrical discharge between conductors (wires). These discharges can generate heat that may ignite surrounding materials, leading to electrical fires.

AFCIs are crucial for preventing such fires because they can identify the subtle signs of arc faults that traditional circuit breakers mig

ht miss. When an AFCI detects an arc fault, it quickly cuts off the electrical circuit, reducing the risk of a fire.

How an ARC fault circuit breaker different than a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
A ground fault happens when the electrical current escapes from the wire, which is a leakage of the electrical current flowing from a circuit. An example of leakage is when current flows through the human body (electrical shock) or through wet electrical appliances (think your toaster falling into the sink full of water). Alternatively, an arc fault occurs when the electrical current jumps from one wire to another. Both are dangerous, but an arc fault is more likely to cause a fire.

Why AFCIs Matter in Your Home
1. Enhanced Safety: Traditional circuit breakers are designed to protect against overcurrent and short circuits, but they may not detect the arcing conditions that AFCIs can. By incorporating AFCIs, your home gains an added layer of protection against potential fire hazards.

2. Compliance with Building Codes: Many modern building codes require the installation of AFCIs in specific areas of a home, such as bedrooms and living rooms. Ensuring your home meets these codes is not only a safety measure but also helps in maintaining compliance and avoiding potential issues during inspections.

3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your home is equipped with AFCIs provides peace of mind. You can rest assured that you’re taking proactive steps to safeguard your property and loved ones from electrical fires.

Incorporating AFCIs into Your Home
If you’re buying an older home, it’s worth considering an upgrade to AFCIs, even if they weren’t originally installed. A qualified electrician can assess your home’s current electrical system and recommend the best course of action. Upgrading to AFCIs might involve replacing existing circuit breakers, but the investment in safety is well worth it.

Final Thoughts
A home inspection is your first line of defense in identifying potential issues in a property, and electrical safety is a key component of that inspection. By understanding the role of ARC fault circuit breakers and ensuring they are properly installed and functioning, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires and enhance the overall safety of your home.

When buying a home, don’t just focus on the visible features—make sure to pay attention to the unseen but critical aspects like the electrical system. With the right knowledge and preventative measures, you can ensure a safer and more secure living environment for you and your family.