Here’s a quick breakdown of what GFCI and AFCI circuits and receptacles are and how they work.
Ground-fault cirucit interrupter (GFCI)
A ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is a fast-acting circuit breaker (surge detector) designed to cut off electric power in the event of a ground-fault within as little as 1/40 of a second. GFCIs protect against the most common form of electrical shock hazard, the ground-fault. (Where a person becomes the path to ground for electricity.) It also protects against fires, overheating and destruction of wire insulation.
A GFCI monitors the amount of current flowing from hot to neutral. If there is any imbalance, it trips the circuit. It is able to sense a mismatch as small as four or five milliamps, which greatly improves safety over the standard 15-amp circuit breaker found on most domestic wiring circuits. All GFCIs manufactured after mid-2006 are designed to tell you when they fail, indicating failure by shutting off power permanently.
Arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)
Arc-fault circuit interrupters, or AFCIs, provide additional safety for electrical circuits inside the home. AFCIs (receptacle or breaker) are primarily designed to protect against electrical fires caused by arcing. An electrical arc is a 2,000 degree electrical spark that that is generated by loose or damaged wiring and is the primary cause of electrical house fires in North America.
AFCI receptacles provide convenience by allowing the circuit to be reset at the source without going to the electrical panel. The AFCI breaker, like the GFCI receptacle, can protect all receptacles and wiring downstream.
AFCI circuits became part of the Canadian Electrical Code in 2003. The code typically follows the U.S. National Electrical Code, where AFCI circuit breakers are now required for all interior rooms. So AFCI-protected wiring is expanding and becoming a part of our future. Note that test buttons are generally green or blue but earlier versions of AFCI breakers are yellow.
Terry Fulljames is a journeyman carpenter, home builder, home and commercial building inspector with more than 25 years of experience. He lives in Smithers and Terrace B.C. Terry has published six industry-related books and has many published articles. With his wife Kim, he owns the AmeriSpec Northern B.C. franchise. Phone 250- 635-3222.
