Maintenance Guides / Safety & Electrical

Test AFCI breakers

Difficulty: easyTime: 20 mins

Why it matters

AFCI breakers have been required by code since 2002 in bedrooms and are now common throughout homes. AFCIs prevent dangerous arc-fault fires but fail silently like GFCIs, leaving circuits unprotected without any visible indication.

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How to do it

  • 1

    Turn off lights and unplug devices on circuits you plan to test.

  • 2

    Locate AFCI breakers in your electrical panel; they are clearly labeled.

  • 3

    Press the test button firmly on the first AFCI breaker.

  • 4

    The breaker should trip and switch to the off position immediately.

  • 5

    Switch the breaker back on to restore power; if it will not reset, call an electrician.