Beware the arc-fault
AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupters) are now required by code in almost every room in your home. With good reason. Traditional circuit breakers handle overloaded circuits and trip to make sure that too much current isn’t carried over the wires causing them to overheat. They may not trip, however, when there is an electric arc caused by faulty connections or a break in wire insulation.
I was recently called to diagnose why an apartment’s lights were flickering and then one day stopped working. Found this outlet next to the bed linens. This was caused by an arc fault that did not trip the traditional breaker. It only stopped arcing and burning once the gap causing the arc was too large.
