Residential fires of electrical origin have been a major concern for a long time. A fire can be initiated by excessive current (due to an overload or a short circuit), or arcing current. Therefore, the installation of overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs) to detect and clear excessive current is required in both Canada and the USA. Conversely, arcing current is too low for OCPDs to detect. It could take an electric arc, minutes, days, weeks, months, or even years to initiate a fire. Therefore, a new solution was required for detecting those slowly developing arcs. Thus, Arc-fault Circuit-Interrupters (AFCIs) were born. AFCIs are capable of detecting an arcing condition (while still developing) and de-energizing the circuit before the arcing circuit ignites.

Since their introduction as a code requirement at the turn of the 21st century, AFCIs have sparked considerable controversy in the Canada and the US because of a lack of clear understanding of AFCIs operation, available technologies, and their capabilities. Over the past few years, there has been a notable rise in the popularity of arc fault detection technologies on the European market, especially with the introduction of Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs), the European version of AFCIs. This presentation attempts to clarify the confusion surrounding AFCI and AFDD technologies, applications, and success in making an impact on residential electrical fires.

A reflection on his professional journey, highlighting the challenges he encountered while moving from undergraduate to graduate studies and then embarking on a career in the industry. Throughout the talk, he will share some of the significant peaks and troughs of his career, underscoring a few of the key lessons learned along the way. You will leave the audience with food for thought on nurturing your personal and professional development.