AFCI vs GFCI: What's The Difference and Why You Should Care

AFCI vs GFCI: What’s The Difference?
👇 CLICK SHOW MORE 👇

Breaking down the difference in protection between AFCI, GFCI, Standard Breakers, CAFCI and Arc Fault Circuit Breakers, and Dual-Function Circuit Breakers. If you've ever wondered what any of these do or where you should use them, this is going to completely change how you look at electrical safety.

There are different options available when it comes to AFCI and GFCI protection. For example, they can protect a single outlet (receptacle) or an entire circuit (breaker) depending on what your needs are. The best way to protect against any arc fault (parallel arc, series arc, and ground arc) is by using a Dual-Function CAFCI/GFCI breaker.

Refer to 2020 NEC 210.12 for more information about AFCI requirements

This is NOT a sponsored video. Some product links are affiliate links, including Amazon Affiliate links, which means if you buy something, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

📒 Video Notes 📒

=Product Link(s)=

Connect with Top Homeowner on Social Media:

---------Cameras and Gear Used To Make This Video -------
Curious about all the Tools 🛠 and Gear 🎬 we use on Top Homeowner?

Like the Graphics and Music? ♪♫♪
Download Unlimited Creatives for All Your Projects:

#tophomeowner #electrical #diy

⏰ Chapter Timecodes ⏰
0:00 AFCI vs GFCI
0:13 What is GFCI
2:05 Standard Breaker Protection
3:02 What is AFCI (Parallel Arc Protection)
4:54 What is CAFCI (Series Arc Protection)
6:26 Dual-Function Breakers
7:02 AFCI Disadvantages
9:35 Is AFCI Worth It?

Disclaimer:
Top Homeowner produces videos for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Information here is not to be viewed as advice but as an opinion. Viewers should be aware that if they choose to work on their homes, they do so at their own risk. Top Homeowner is not responsible for any damages that may occur to the property of a viewer. Some of the projects, materials, and techniques may not be suitable for all ages or skill levels. It is up to the viewer to decide whether to consult with a professional before working on their home. We make no claims to the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources featured in this video, and we will not be held responsible for the actions viewers may choose to take with the information provided. It is recommended that viewers use common sense and take all necessary safety measures. Codes, regulations, standards, and rules are constantly changing around the world, so it is the viewer's responsibility to ascertain their local requirements before starting any type of work.

[MonzaTom]

I am a General Contractor in northern California and I became an electrician in the 80's and your video is how ALL videos should be here. Clear, accurate and to the point! Well done!!

[kkampy]

GFCI's work by passing the hot and neutral through a coil. As long as the inbound and outbound currents are the same, no voltage will be generated in the coil. If there is a difference, a voltage will be generated and picked up by the circuitry. AFCI's work by detecting high frequency noise on the circuit generated by the arcing. This is why they trip when using brushed motors. I'm sure our old school slot cars would have played havoc with them.

[igoro]

I am an electrical engineer and a contractor and want to say, that it's a very good and easy to understand explanation of AFCI and GFCI protection.

[denmar]

I hope AFCI has gotten better in the past 5-6 years. They are widely known for the “nuisance tripping”. And for no apparent reason. My niece home has them and two of them kept tripping. After expensive service calls(2), they are replaced, and one of the breakers replaced twice. The replacements seemed to rectify the problems, finally. A lot of wasted money to correct the defective breakers.

[glennford]

For the common person, like me, this was a good explanation.
Examples of devices that might trip an AFCI would be helpful.

[DBR]

Thank you for not embedding background music to this video. I liked the clear explanations and good camera work.

[a.k.maclellan]

I am a builder and this presentation is very difficult to improve upon. Congratulations. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all documentry YouTubes were done this way. So many are nothing more than a waste of time.

[thinkfirst]

Comment about GFCI outlets and circuit breakers. I have installed several GFCI circuit breakers in outside standard "weather resistant" circuit breaker boxes. The GFCI circuit breakers are expensive, do cover all of the outlets and lights on that circuit. What I have found is that the GFCI circuit breakers can be sensitive to the weather conditions outside of the structure that they are placed in. Replacing the GFCI circuit breaker with a GFCI outlet in the first position after the breaker will provide the same outlet protection while still being sheltered from the elements.

[amanuelasmerom]

The most clear and accurate explanation of GFCI & AFCI. Keep the good work!

[riedjacobsen]

I discovered that spider nests inside my outdoor receptacles caused my panel GCFI to trip. Replaced the cheap receptacles with commercial grade and haven't had a problem since.

[aotilanyoldthingilike]

Most clearly written and spoken explanation that I have seen on YouTube. I have subscribed because I am hoping that all videos on this YouTube channel are narrated with carefully composed and edited language

[TheEDFLegacy]

Thank you for this. I think I'm going to use this video to demonstrate the purposes of these devices. I'm currently working on a retrofit where I plan to replace a lot of receptacles with dual-function units, and replacing some light switches with these newly invented AFCI light switches. Extremely handy for old homes!

[Troy-McClure]

When we took over the 30 year old house we live in, I was amazed by how it passed code, 15amp Gfci on a 20amp breaker, non functional, and the other in my garage as well as not functional 2 story house 1989 build.Just recently changed my last fixture in the hall closet, and no suprise ground wasn't connected plastered in place lol.Eventually we will have whole house rewired and replumbed.Good explanation video.

[soylencer]

Your point about them being required in new boxes put me at ease about why it was so hard to find a combo AFCI/GFCI receptacle today.

Sounds like new house doesn't need AFCI because it's already present at the breaker, old house doesn't "need" it because it's not needed for code. The only people still shopping for them are overly cautious DIYers and special projects.

But I needed a GFCI for the wet areas, and decided to splurge for one for a dedicated microwave line. I'll be happy to have spent the extra $9 total to reduce my fire risk by at least that much.

Luckily, while they didn't really upgrade my breaker, they did re-run most of the Romex. So at least I'm not looking at fabric in this 100 year old house.

[jammer]

My new house has AFCI breakers with GFCI receptacles in garage, kitchen and bathrooms. The electrician we hired to hook us to the grid told us that's a costly breakers box but worth it.
30 plus years working as a plant operator at a power plant you get to know breakers well.
By the way well done video.

[marusholilac]

I had to install some AFCIs in a new shop building to pass inspection. After the inspection I switched them to GFCIs so I could use tools like a drill or saw that created sparks internally and tripped the AFCI. A 120v drill is liable to be plugged in anywhere in your house, so I'm not a fan.

[ednovak]

Great tutorial. Concise yet easy to understand by non-pros. Thanks.

[cosmicinsane]

I like the AFCIs because I can trip the breakers in my neighbors house via radio.

[stevebabiak]

Another type of arc occurs when the blades on a plug aren’t in tight enough contact with the contacts in the wall receptacle.

[suiethacks]

Great video. Consider an appendix. Extension cords are the most common source of arcing fires since they are run under rugs and forgotten.