How does a GFCI work?

A GFCI constantly compares the current leaving on the hot conductor with the current returning on the neutral. Normally they match. If some current escapes to ground, for example through a person, the return current drops. NEC Article 100 defines a Class A GFCI as one that trips when the imbalance reaches 6 mA or more, and it opens the circuit in a fraction of a second.

How does an AFCI work?

An AFCI monitors the shape of the current waveform on a circuit. A damaged cord, loose connection or nail through a wire lets electricity jump a gap, producing an arc that is hot enough to ignite insulation but often too small to trip an ordinary breaker. The AFCI's electronics recognize the erratic, high-frequency current signature of an arc and open the circuit before a fire can start.

What types of GFCIs are there?

Two: a GFCI outlet with test and reset buttons, typically in kitchens, bathrooms, garages and exterior locations, and a GFCI breaker in the panel, which protects circuits that need GFCI protection but have no outlet, such as pool equipment. Both trip by measuring the difference in current between line and neutral.

What types of AFCIs are there?

Branch-circuit/feeder AFCIs install at the first outlet on a circuit and protect the entire branch circuit; circuit-breaker AFCIs install in the electrical panel and protect every circuit fed by that breaker.

The Difference Between GFCI vs AFCI Breaker Protection

ARC Electric is Raleigh’s electrician for home wiring, including GFCI/AFCI breaker and outlet installation, that you can count on to provide the highest quality internal wiring in homes and other buildings in Raleigh, at the most affordable prices.

ARC Electric proudly serves clients in Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding communities in the triangle area. Whether you are looking for residential, commercial, or industrial electrical service, ARC Electric is the right choice.

We offer a full range of electrical services from home circuit breaker panel replacements to wiring up high voltage commercial equipment. Our electricians are trained and equipped to handle any kind of job.

Most people are familiar with GFCI outlets, which are required in many areas of the home in order to help prevent electric shocks. However, you may not be as familiar with AFCI protection. Both GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers provide important safety features for your home, but they work in different ways.

Quick Facts: GFCI vs. AFCI

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects people from electric shock, especially in wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and garages.

AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects your home from electrical fires caused by damaged or arcing wiring.

Many homes benefit from both types of protection, and some circuits require dual-function AFCI/GFCI breakers.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires AFCI protection in most living areas and GFCI protection in wet or damp locations.

How do they work?

GFCI

GFCI protection work by constantly monitoring the current flowing through the circuit. If there is a sudden difference in the current flow, it indicates a potential fault to ground, and the device trips, interrupting the flow of electricity.

$Animation: a GFCI compares current leaving on the hot wire with current returning on the neutral; a few milliamps escaping through a person to ground trips it in a fraction of a second.$

AFCI

AFCI protection work by constantly monitoring the current flowing through the circuit looking for a change in the waveform of the current. If it detects this specific “noise” it will assume an arc fault is occurring and will trip the device and interrupt the flow of electricity.

Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection (GFCI)

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection outlets and GFCI breakers are designed to protect against ground fault shocks which can cause a fatal electric shock. A ground fault occurs when electricity takes a path through a person instead of through the intended circuit. This can happen if an appliance or cords are damaged and electricity is able to travel through the water or soil and into a person.

Code requirements

Where Do I Need A GFCI In My Home?

GFCI protection outlets are required in many areas of the home, such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor outlets. They can be installed as part of a new construction or as a retrofit in older homes to bring them up to code. This is just a small portion of where GFCI protection outlets are required, check with your local building code or electrical inspector for a complete list.

Watch · 1:39

How GFCI protection works

Eaton explains how GFCI protection works and where it’s required.

Watch the video

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)

What Type Of GFCIs Are There?

GFCI Outlet — **GFCI outlet** — test and reset buttons; kitchens, bathrooms, garages and exterior outlets.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters come in two forms, which are pictured above. One is an outlet that has a test and reset button typically found in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exterior outlets, the other is in your breaker panel. The GFCI breaker pictured on the right will typically protect exterior circuits that require GFCI protection but do not have an outlet, such as pool equipment. The circuit breakers and outlets do the same task just in different locations in your home. A GFCI will trip when they sense a short to ground by measuring the difference in current between the line and neutral of the circuit. These can prevent electrical shock when water presents an opportunity for a short.

ARC Electric is proud to offer GFCI outlets or a GFCI breaker, the best protection installation as part of our complete line of electrical services. Our certified electricians can install GFCI protection outlets or a GFCI breaker in your home to help keep your family safe.

AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter)

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters Protection (AFCI)

The AFCI breaker was adopted by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) through the National Electrical Code in 1999 in response to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission in an effort to prevent fires as an arc can easily ignite the very flammable wood framing and insulation present in most homes. In 2008, the National Electrical Code required AFCI protection on all branch circuits in dining rooms, family rooms, living rooms bedrooms, and other similar spaces. In 2014 kitchens were added to the list. More recently smoke alarms have been required to be on an AFCI protected circuit. This circuit breaker trips when it senses low or high current arcs that can be caused by damaged wiring or loose connections which can cause fires.

**Combination AFCI breakers** — identified by the markings and the test button on the front.

Causes

What Causes An Arc Fault?

Vacuum cleaners are a common trigger — if yours frequently trips an AFCI breaker, there’s likely an arc fault somewhere in that circuit. Damaged cords, loose connections, or rodents chewing on wiring can all cause the same issue. When an arc fault occurs, electricity jumps through the air from one conductor to another, creating heat and sparking. This can ignite nearby materials and start a fire.

Watch · 1:35

How AFCI protection works

Eaton explains how Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters detect and stop electrical fires before they start.

Watch the video

Are AFCIs Really Necessary?

While AFCIs are not currently required by code in all areas of the home, they are an important safety feature that is becoming more common. Electrical fires are a leading cause of home fires and having AFCIs is another layer of protection. Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes that have AFCI protection, so it is definitely worth considering for your home.

What Different Type of AFCIs are There?

There are two types of AFCIs, branch circuit/feeder AFCIs and circuit breaker AFCIs. Branch/feeder AFCIs are installed at the first outlet on a circuit and provide protection for the entire branch circuit. Circuit breaker AFCIs are installed in the electrical panel and provide protection for every electrical circuit that is fed by that breaker.

Do I Need an AFCI Added to My Home?

At ARC Electric we highly recommend that if your home was built before the year 2000 check and see if an arc fault circuit interrupter has been installed in your panel. They can be identified by markings on the front and a trip test button also located on the front of the breaker. If your home does not have AFCI breakers you should consider having them installed by a licensed electrician to protect your home and family from potential fires.

GFCI and AFCI Are an Important Part of a Safe Home

GFCI and AFCI outlets and breakers are two important safety features that can help protect your home from electrical fires. GFCI outlets trip when they sense a short to ground, while AFCI outlets trip when they detect an arc fault. Both types of outlets are becoming more common and many insurance companies offer discounts for homes that have them.

When it comes to the safety of your home, you can never be too careful. Having GFCI and AFCI outlets and/or an AFCI or GFCI breaker installed is a great way to help protect your home from electrical fires. ARC Electric is proud to offer both GFCI and AFCI installation as part of our complete line of electrical services. Our certified electricians can install these outlets in your home to help keep your home and, most importantly, your family safe. Give us a call today to learn more.

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