GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects people from shock by detecting small leakage current to ground (milliamps) and tripping fast. AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against fire by detecting arcing signatures (series/parallel arcs) and tripping when dangerous arcs are detected. GFCI = shock protection, ground-fault leakage; AFCI = fire protection, arc detection; locations required by code. Worked example (scenario): Bathroom receptacle: high shock risk → GFCI required. Bedroom receptacle circuit: arc/fire risk from damaged cords → AFCI often required (depending on... Show more GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects people from shock by detecting small leakage current to ground (milliamps) and tripping fast. AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against fire by detecting arcing signatures (series/parallel arcs) and tripping when dangerous arcs are detected. GFCI = shock protection, ground-fault leakage; AFCI = fire protection, arc detection; locations required by code. Worked example (scenario): Bathroom receptacle: high shock risk → GFCI required. Bedroom receptacle circuit: arc/fire risk from damaged cords → AFCI often required (depending on code cycle/area). Show less
GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects people from shock by detecting small leakage current to ground (milliamps) and tripping fast. AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against fire by detecting arcing signatures (series/parallel arcs) and tripping when dangerous arcs are detected.
GFCI = shock protection, ground-fault leakage; AFCI = fire protection, arc detection; locations required by code.
Worked example (scenario): Bathroom receptacle: high shock risk → GFCI required. Bedroom receptacle circuit: arc/fire risk from damaged cords → AFCI often required (depending on code cycle/area).
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