I have been getting many questions on what is the difference between GFI's (ground fault circuit interrupters)and AFCI's (arc fault circuit interrupters). They are both required in homes but in different areas and do different jobs.
Today hopefully I want to clarify what these devices do and where they are required.
GFCI's look similar to a electrical outlet with two buttons in the middle; a reset button and a test button. They also are installed as circuit breakers in some instances.They detect amperage fluctuations in the circuit in case of a appliance or unit malfunction and shut the circuit down to protect against electrocution.
GFCI's are required to be installed everywhere there is a chance of water present; the kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and exterior outlets. If a laundry room is present with a wash basin it is also required to be GFI protected, as is a wet bar if these areas have a electrical outlets.
If a home was built before GFI's were required it is very simple to upgrade to GFI's by replacing existing electrical outlets with GFI outlets at the owners convenience.
Afci's are a specialized circuit breaker designed to detect arcing in a circuit due to a malfunction in the circuit. AFCI's are a fire safety device that were first only required in bedrooms. Since February 2009 AFCI's are required in ALL living areas that are not GFI protected. That means new homes built after 02-09 must have AFCI's in all living areas like dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, offices, bedroom. Homes built prior to 02-09 are only required to have AFCI's in bedrooms and the owner may upgrade if they so desire.
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