Test Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters
Why It Matters
AFCI breakers detect dangerous electrical arcs that cause fires. A failed AFCI leaves your home unprotected.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: basic tools. Materials required: necessary materials.
- 2
Perform the test arc fault circuit interrupters
Press the test button on all AFCI breakers in your panel to verify they trip correctly. Safety note: Reset breakers after testing.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If if any afci breaker fails to trip, consider calling a professional.
Community Tips
AFCIs should trip within 20-30 milliseconds when they detect an arc fault, so monthly testing ensures the internal mechanism hasn't degraded or stuck. Leviton AFCI outlets ($25-35) include a built-in test button that's more reliable than testing through connected appliances, which may mask a failed unit.
A dedicated AFCI tester like the Fluke LoopCAL ($200-300) simulates actual arc fault conditions more accurately than the outlet's test button alone, catching nuisance trips or slow responses that manual testing might miss on circuits protecting sensitive electronics.
Never assume an AFCI is functioning because lights stay on during the test button press -- a failed unit may still allow power while losing arc detection capability, leaving the circuit unprotected against electrical fires caused by damaged appliance cords or compromised wiring. ---