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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/elec-gfci-vs-afci

GFCIs address shock hazards. What do AFCIs address?

GFCIs prevent shock, AFCIs prevent fires.

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  1. Voltage drop
  2. Overload only
  3. Fire hazards ✔

Why: A GFCI senses current leaking away from the circuit and cuts power fast. An AFCI recognizes dangerous arcing in damaged or loose wiring before it ignites something.

Huh, didn't know that: CPSC notes combination devices put both AFCI and GFCI protection in one unit.

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References

Answer: Fire hazards. A GFCI senses current leaking away from the circuit and cuts power fast. An AFCI recognizes dangerous arcing in damaged or loose wiring before it ignites something.

  1. CPSC Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter document www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5133(1).pdf
    AFCIs are intended to address fire hazards; GFCIs address shock hazards.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Trades & ShopA GFCI protects people by tripping when current leaks at about what level?Trades & ShopIn 2003, CPSC engineers estimated AFCIs could address about what share of home wiring fires?Trades & ShopOn a construction site, what may OSHA accept instead of GFCIs to protect workers?

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