Similar to a GFCI the AFCI will interrupt power to a circuit when it senses a fault or arcing to prevent an arc from becoming a fire.  They are still rated in common amperages of 15 and 20 amp and fit your breaker panel the same as a standard breaker.  In some brands such as Square D the physical size of the breaker is the same width but twice as long so it is a little more difficult to fit into the panel, other brands are basically the same size as a standard breaker.  All the brands have a few things in common.  They all have a white pigtail that must be connected to the neutral bar of the panel and the neutral coming from the branch circuit is connected to the breaker on a designated terminal in the same manner as a GFCI breaker.  They also have a color coded button or trip indicator on the front by the handle to let you know what type of breaker they are.

The introduction of the AFCI breaker has changed how you may be used to wiring a home because they will not work if the circuit has a shared neutral or part of a (balanced set).  When I started wiring homes we used to use a 3 conductor romex for all of the homerun wires where you have 2 hot wires and one shared neutral.  Now every home run has to be a 2 conductor cable so each circuit has its own neutral.  This just adds a few more cables to the panel.

Because the AFCI’s require their own neutral it can be difficult to install them in an older home say pre 1970.  In the older homes it was common practice to use whatever neutral was closest to the light or switch even though it was not from the same home run cable.  It is possible to go through and trace all that out but it takes time and rooting around in the attic through the old insulation that makes you cough and itch.

Even though the new technology is a little more difficult for the electrician and more expensive for the consumer I believe they are a great step towards preventing electrical fires.  If a varmint chews through a wire inside the wall or you happen to nick a wire with a nail trying to hang a picture the breaker will trip before a major problem can occur.

An AFCI breaker senses erratic current flow caused by arcing.  Arcing is usually caused by defective or worn electrical cords or devices that use electricity.  Electrical arcing is also the most common cause of fires and can lead to total loss of ones home or even worse.  This device can prevent much of the possibility of electrical fires and should be viewed as a great benefit to the home buyer and not an added expense.  Contact a residential electrician today to see if this makes sense for your home and your family.

You have decided that you are ready to remodel your home or office, and think hiring a general contractor is best for your situation. Here are a few tips to take into consideration when choosing a contractor.

Experience
This is one of the most important factors in choosing a contractor. The contracting industry is simple to enter, and some states have few if any licensing requirements. A minimum of 5 years working in the trades or design field is important. A general contractor could have 15 years experience working in the trades, but be a new business owner. This can be acceptable, if the rest of the requirements are met below.

Education
Does the contractor have any education in the trades? Does the contractor continue to educate him or herself to keep up with changing codes and design?

References
Can the contractor provide references of past clients? You should call at least 2 of any named references for feedback.

BBB
You can research the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the contractor. Though businesses are not required to be registered with the BBB, anyone can file a complaint against any company thru the BBB.

Insurance
Does the contractor carry insurance? If you accept a bid from a contractor, be sure to require a certificate of insurance before the job starts.

Licensing – If Applicable
If the contractor will be doing electrical or plumbing, are the subcontractors used properly licensed?

 
A few additional things to consider:
Does the contractor belong to any trade organizations – such as NARI (National Association of Remodeling), or the HBA (Home Builders Association)?

If possible, ask if you can look at some of their work. The larger your job is, the more appropriate it is for you to expect to see their work first hand.

Do not use price as the deciding factor. You can get 3 quotes, and the outlined scope and quality can vary widely. In addition, for a contractor to meet all of the above criteria suggests they will be higher priced, as the overhead to maintain licenses and carry insurance are included in their overall costs. Keep in mind – you get what you pay for. If something goes wrong on the job – will that contractor be in business to resolve any problems?

Always have a signed contract before starting any job, outlining a detailed scope, timeline, and draw schedule. This is to protect both parties involved.

The best way to find a contractor is by asking for referrals from people you trust. Be sure to still ask all of the above questions though.

If you are in the Dallas area:
You can email us for contractor ideas at rsquaredrenovations@msn.com or
Visit us online at Dallas Remodeling Experts