AFCI vs GFCI: What's the difference? 2023 Best Answer

Have you ever wondered what the difference between an afci and a gfci is? It’s not obvious, but there are many! This blog will give you some basic information on the two.

The abbreviation “afci” stands for alternating current (ac) fault circuit interrupter, which is an electrical device that protects by turning off the power when it detects a short in the line.

A gfci is similar to an afci but protects from both alternating and direct currents. This means it can also protect against shocks from any appliance on the same branch circuit or ground-fault currents.

These devices will typically have a test button on them so you can check whether they’re working properly. Keep this blog post in mind next time you want to know the difference between afci and gfci.

What is AFCI?

AFCI is an abbreviation for “Alternating Current (AC) Fault Circuit Interrupter ”. It is also known as ACFI (Alternating Current Fuse Interrupter), or AFI (Automatic Fault Interrupter). AFCI’s are widely used in the United States and Canada but are becoming more common in other countries.

AFCI are built into electrical outlets, switches, and receptacles, and they protect arcing faults (spontaneous electrical discharges that occur when loose or frayed wires rub against each other) and short circuits. These devices will interrupt the current flow if it senses a fault.

AFCIs can be used on both alternating and direct currents.

This means it can also protect against shocks from any appliance on the same branch circuit or ground-fault currents.

What is an arc fault?

An arc fault is an electrical discharge that travels through a circuit. This can happen when a metal object touches a metal surface, or when there is an exposed wire that touches another metal object.

A normal household circuit has many components in it, so it’s not unusual for one of these components to be touching another and dislodging the insulation between them. This can cause an arc to form, which can then travel through the circuit.

The current in an arc fault may be high enough to cause serious injury and/or death if you are in contact with the circuit when it happens.

What does ‘arc’ mean?

Arcing means that you see sparks or flames on the surface of something that isn’t supposed to have electricity in it. When you get an arc fault, the current can be a high enough level to cause a fire.

How does an arc fault interrupter work?

An arc fault circuit breaker detects a current that is greater than the rated current for the circuit. This means that the current is strong enough to cause an arc. When this happens, the arc fault circuit breaker trips, which interrupts power to the circuit and trips off other circuits to protect them from damage.

The mains supply is interrupted by a fuse or circuit breaker, so it can’t keep going until the arc fault is cleared. If it’s not cleared, it could cause a fire or cause other problems in the house.

Where is AFCI protection required?

AFCI protection is required in certain areas of the building to prevent fire and shock hazards. AFCI protection is also required for ungrounded electrical equipment, such as power tools, which can cause an arc fault if they are powered from the same circuit as a person or other object.

AFCI protection is not required in all areas of the building. Only areas that are considered ‘high hazard’ (such as fireplaces, wood stoves, and other places where a fire could start) need AFCI protection.

If you have an AFCI installed on a circuit in your home, you should receive training and follow the procedures outlined in your maintenance manual to ensure that it works properly at all times.

Some of the areas where AFCI protection is required include;

-Kitchens and bathrooms

-Garages

-Laundry rooms

-Fireplaces

-Areas where people sleep (in case of fire)

-Electrical closets (in case of fire)

What is GFCI?

GFCI is an abbreviation for “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter”. It is also known as GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter), or GFIC (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). GFCIs are widely used in the United States and Canada but are becoming more common in other countries.

GFCIs are built into electrical outlets, switches, and receptacles, and they protect from ground fault currents (spontaneous electrical discharges that occur when loose or frayed wires touch the ground). These devices will interrupt the current flow if it senses a fault.

GFCIs can be used on both alternating and direct currents. This means it can also protect against shocks from any appliance on the same branch circuit or ground-fault currents.

What is a ground fault condition?

In a ground fault condition, the current is flowing through the neutral wire and returning through the ground wire. It can happen when someone trips over a cord or drops an appliance to the floor.

It’s important to understand that this is not always going to be an “accident” in that someone needs to have done something wrong for it to have happened.

It could be a matter of defective wiring or even just bad luck that causes the ground fault. Either way, it’s important to understand what these devices will do so you know what they’re protecting you from and how they work.

For instance, let’s say two wires are running from your breaker box out of your house: one is the hot wire (black) and one is the neutral (white). They each connect to a different appliance in your house, for example, a light and a refrigerator.

When the appliances are turned on, the current will flow through the hot wire and then return through the neutral wire.

However, if you have any sort of damage in either of those wires (a nick or cut) or if there is moisture getting into them, current could also return through that damaged area. This is called a ground fault condition because it’s returning through “ground” instead of just returning through the neutral wire. This can cause the wiring to overheat and could even start fires.

How a GFCI works

How a GFCI works is sort of complicated. Basically, a circuit has two wires that carry electricity and they’re both connected to the same thing: the ground.

If something happens to one of those wires, it can cause an electric current to flow through the ground. This creates a false electrical path, which could lead to a dangerous situation if there’s anything connected to the ground that’s not supposed to be there (like a light switch).

To prevent this from happening, GFCIs are designed so that when this happens they will cut all power off within milliseconds and will shut down any other circuits that were possibly affected by this (since each circuit is connected through the ground).

Where is GFCI protection required?

GFCI protection is required in all new or remodeled homes and commercial buildings. In addition to new construction, GFCIs are required in bedrooms where there are stand-alone electrical outlets or a wall outlet with a GFCI protector.

Some of the areas where GFCI protection is required include:

-Bathroom

-Crawlspace

-Garage and carport

-Kitchen

-Laundry room

-Loft

-Basement

-Central Heating

-Inside the home

-Outdoor outlets

-Boat hoists

Differences between AFCI vs GFCI

Now that we have covered the basics of the two devices, it is time to dissect their differences.

Functionality

AFCI protection is a “trip” device. When it senses that an electric circuit has opened, it will trip the circuit breaker. This means that it protects against the arc fault.

On the other hand, GFCI protection is a “ground” device. When it senses that an electric circuit has opened, it does not trip the circuit breaker. This means that it protects against overcurrent and short circuits.

Price

AFCI protection is more expensive than GFCI protection. However, AFCI devices are less expensive than GFCIs by about $7 for a single receptacle outlet (this includes the transformer). The price of an AFCI device is $3 to $5 depending on the size of the circuit and type of device. The cost of a GFCI protector is $7 to $10.

Electrical behavior

AFCI protects against electric fire due to electrical faults. The electrical fault is the arc, electric shock, or electricity flowing through a circuit. GFCI protects against electric shock, overcurrent, and arc faults.

Installation areas

GFCI is only installed in wet areas. This means areas where water is present. These areas include bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. AFCI is installed in any location where there is electricity. This includes walls, ceilings, and floors. AFCI devices are also installed in outdoor applications with wiring that has a potential of 30 VAC or less (such as dryer vents).

Protection scope

GFCI prevents accidents from happening outside the wall. It does not protect the person from being shocked by the wall. AFCI protects the person from being shocked by the wall or outside of it.

Installation methods

AFCI is installed using a special wire and plug-in type receptacle. This type of receptacle can be on a circuit breaker or an outlet. GFCI is installed using a special screw-in type receptacle that cannot be on a circuit breaker or outlet. The installation methods are different for AFCI and GFCI.

Types

GFCIs are divided into two types, one-line, and three-line GFCIs. These GFCIs have different functions, such as protection against arc faults or overcurrent protection. There are two types of AFCI, one-phase and three-phase AFCIs. One-phase AFCIs protect against voltage spikes and ground fault circuit interrupters. Three-phase AFCIs protect against voltage spikes and ground fault circuit interrupters.

Factors to consider when buying AFCI and GFCI

So you think you are ready to buy either AFCI or GFCI? Here are the key factors to consider before you make this decision.

– Compare the cost of each technology: How much will you need to install each of these products? More is not always better. The cost of a GFCI is generally less than the cost of an AFCI, but the purchase price is one factor to consider. The cost of a GFCI may be more than an AFCI, but they both protect against electrical hazards.

– Compare the different installation methods: What type of receptacle will you need? Do you have access to a circuit breaker? Will you need to run new wires? Do you want to be able to easily upgrade or replace your current receptacles later on?

– Compare the coverage area: How much electrical current will each product protect against? The larger the coverage area, the greater the chance of protecting a larger amount of people and equipment.

– Consider your needs: Will you need to protect against voltage spikes and ground fault circuit interrupters? Or will you just need protection from power surges? Do you want to protect all appliances or just some of them? Do you have any sensitive electronics that need protection from electrical hazards?

– Consider your budget: The price of a GFCI is generally less than the cost of an AFCI, but the purchase price is one factor to consider. The cost of a GFCI may be more than an AFCI, but they both protect against electrical hazards.

-Consider warranty: Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on their products, but other companies offer an extended warranty period of up to five years. Make sure that you find out what the manufacturer’s coverage period is before you buy any electrical safety product.

Conclusion

I hope you now know the difference between AFCI vs GFCI. And if you are in the market for a new AFCI or GFCI, then I hope that this article helps you make a decision.

You can buy either of these at ICRFQ. We are a global supplier of AFCIs and GFCIs in China. You can buy it from our website directly or you can contact us via email.

We will be happy to provide you with a quote and delivery information.