What is the purpose of arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)?

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are specifically designed to enhance electrical safety by preventing electrical fires caused by arcing faults. Arcing can occur due to frayed wires, loose connections, or other electrical failures and creates high-intensity heat that can ignite surrounding materials. AFCIs continuously monitor the electrical circuit for signs of these arcing faults and will interrupt the power when such a fault is detected.

This preventative action is critical because traditional circuit breakers may not react to arcing faults, allowing them to persist and potentially lead to dangerous fire situations. By interrupting the circuit rapidly, AFCIs significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires, thereby fulfilling their core purpose effectively.

The other options describe different electrical safety or operational devices but do not align with the specific role of AFCIs. Protection from voltage spikes relates to surge protectors, connecting conductive parts is what grounding accomplishes, and switching between power sources pertains to transfer switches. These functions serve important purposes but are distinct from the protective role of AFCIs in preventing arcing faults.