What does an AFCI do?

An AFCI, or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter, is specifically designed to prevent electrical fires caused by arcing faults. Arcing faults can occur when there is a break in a wire or a loose connection, which generates high temperatures that can ignite surrounding materials. The AFCI works by detecting the unique electrical signatures produced by arcing and quickly disconnects the circuit to eliminate the risk of fire. This is particularly important in residential settings where electrical fires can begin unnoticed and lead to serious damage or danger.

The other choices do not apply to the function of an AFCI. Enabling remote control of devices refers to smart technology, while regulating voltage levels pertains to devices like voltage regulators. Measuring power consumption is the role of energy monitors or smart meters, which track how much electricity is being used over time. Each of these functions serves a different purpose and does not address fire prevention, which is the critical function of an AFCI.