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In 2003, CPSC engineers estimated AFCIs could address about what share of home wiring fires?

AFCIs could address about 50% of wiring fires.

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  1. Half ✔
  2. One tenth
  3. Nearly all

Why: Damaged cords and loose connections can arc without ever overloading a breaker. An AFCI detects that arcing pattern and shuts off the circuit.

Huh, didn't know that: CPSC staff made the estimate while proposing AFCI upgrades for the 2005 National Electrical Code.

The dad joke
What are some worms that eat up electric wires? Electro-maggots.
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References

Answer: Half. Damaged cords and loose connections can arc without ever overloading a breaker. An AFCI detects that arcing pattern and shuts off the circuit.

  1. CPSC Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter document www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/afci_0.pdf
    AFCI technology will address 50% of the annual residential wiring fires
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. CPSC Publication 5133, Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5133(1).pdf
    Typical household fuses and circuit breakers do not respond to early arcing and sparking conditions in home wiring.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Trades & ShopGFCIs address shock hazards. What do AFCIs address?Trades & ShopThe Article 100 definition says an AFCI protects by recognizing what?Trades & ShopA standard circuit breaker trips on overloads and what other condition, but not on arcing?

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