An "arc fault" is a dangerous electrical problem caused by damaged, overheated, or stressed wiring, cables, or appliances.

Often, these problems are hidden from plain view until it is too late.  For example, nails driven into walls to hang pictures may damage wiring insulation, causing an arc fault.

The temperatures of arc faults can often exceed 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit.  This high-intensity heat may ignite surrounding material like wood or insulation, which can quickly spread to other nearby flammable materials.

A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report lists an absence of AFCIs as one of the three primary residential hazards associated with burns and fire-related injuries.

The most effective safeguard against these dangers is a device called an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI).

AFCIs offer advanced fire protection for your home by recognizing dangerous wiring conditions as they develop, immediately cutting power to that circuit before a fire can develop.

Demarse Electric and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) suggest that homeowners have AFCIs professionally installed in general purpose circuits throughout the home.