The letters look alike, but these two devices guard against different dangers.
GFCI: protection from shock
A ground-fault circuit interrupter compares the current going out with the current coming back. If a little goes missing, possibly through a person, it shuts off in a fraction of a second. GFCI protection is required where water is nearby:
- Kitchens and anywhere near a sink
- Bathrooms and laundry areas
- Garages, basements and crawl spaces
- All outdoor outlets
- Pools, spas and hot tubs
AFCI: protection from fire
An arc-fault circuit interrupter listens for the electrical signature of arcing, the kind produced by a loose connection, a nail through a cable or a damaged cord. Arc faults are a leading cause of electrical fires. AFCI protection is required on most living-area circuits in new work: bedrooms, living rooms, hallways and similar spaces.
Outlet or breaker?
Both types come as receptacles and as breakers. A breaker protects the whole circuit from the panel. A receptacle protects itself and anything wired after it. Dual-function breakers provide both kinds of protection in one device.
Older homes
Existing wiring is generally not required to be upgraded until work is done, but adding protection is inexpensive. GFCI outlets are also a code-recognized way to make ungrounded two-prong circuits safer without rewiring.
Nuisance trips
A device that trips repeatedly is usually telling you something. Common causes are moisture, a failing appliance, or a shared neutral wired incorrectly. Our troubleshooting service sorts real faults from incompatibility.
Testing
Press the test button monthly. If the device does not trip, or will not reset, have it replaced. Replacements and new installations are part of our everyday outlet and breaker work.