Can I Use An AFCI In The Place Of A GFCI?

Not if you want to stay healthy!

Both units, although very different in function, look alike in the electrical panel. They look like conventional circuit breakers with a test button on their face and they both attach to the panel in a normal circuit breaker slot and are bonded to the neutral bus bar with a, rear mounted, tightly coiled white wire.

The AFCI, Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter, was introduced to residential electrical codes in 1999 with the requirement to install them in bedrooms and has quickly gained acceptance, particularly with Fire Marshalls, because the device reliably opens damaged circuits that are overheating because of arcing (mini fires). Recent editions of the electrical codes have included installation in most living areas. Unfortunately, there are other over-heating issues with circuits that cannot be detected by the AFCI, such as an electric motor starting or someone pulling a cord out of a live outlet or wires overheating through high current demand meeting high resistance without any arcing occurring.

When must I install these devices?

Never! Installing these critical devices is a job for a licensed electrician. They can advise you as to the necessity for installation of these devices and proper wiring technique. Except for a room addition or replacement of an existing failed device, AFCI’s are usually only installed in new wiring systems.

Where does today’s code require these devices to be installed?

AFCI’s are installed in all bedrooms and living areas, but not unfinished basements and garages. GFCI’s are installed in all potentially wet areas, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and exterior outlets. Some circuits can even require the installation of both an AFCI and a GFCI.

Doug Hastings
MN Home Inspector, Minneapolis & St. Paul
ASHI certified inspector, ACI
Kaplan University, Home Inspection Lead Instructor

Rob ‘Pops’ Leslie
Kaplan Professionals, Retired

AFCI or GFCI That Is The Question

Is an AFCI the same as a GFCI and what is a GFI?

AFCI or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter and GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter are names for similar looking electrical devices that are used for very different purposes.

  • An AFCI protects an electrical circuit against a specific kind of arcing. It’ function is to prevent overheating and fire because of damaged or broken wires, loose screws and wire connections. It does this by disconnecting the circuit breaker or fuse before the arc creates a fire.
  • A GFCI is very different. It measures current flow over the hot and neutral wires in circuit acting like an off switch if the amount of current in the 2 wires is not in balance. The assumption is the imbalance is caused by current flowing through you rather than the circuit.  Not a good situation because you essentially become the light bulb.

A GFI or Ground Fault Interrupter is what we used to call a GFCI. The electrical code simply changed the term to make it more precise.

In short, 
The AFCI protects your home from fires caused by wires that overheat through arcing.  The GFCI protects you from being electrocuted by current rushing through your body as it takes the path of least resistance to ground. The GFI only makes electricity more confusing to understand than it already is.

These devices save lives…your home is calling out for these improvements.

Doug Hastings
MN Home Inspector, Minneapolis & St. Paul
ASHI certified inspector, ACI
Kaplan University, Home Inspection Lead Instructor

Rob ‘Pops’ Leslie
Kaplan Professionals, Retired

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