SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/home-a-elec-afci

What hazard are AFCIs meant to address, compared with GFCIs?

Fire hazards, while GFCIs address shock hazards.

Start playing free

  1. Shock hazards
  2. Water leaks
  3. Fire hazards ✔

Why: AFCIs protect against fires from arcing and sparking in wiring. GFCIs protect against shock. Combination devices provide both kinds of protection in one unit.

Huh, didn't know that: CPSC says older homes with ordinary breakers may especially benefit from AFCI protection.

The dad joke
Why don't lamps ever sink when they're in water? They are too light.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Fire hazards. AFCIs protect against fires from arcing and sparking in wiring. GFCIs protect against shock. Combination devices provide both kinds of protection in one unit.

  1. CPSC: Preventing Home Fires, Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (Pub. 5133) www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5133(1).pdf
    AFCIs are intended to address fire hazards; GFCIs address shock hazards.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Home & YardDo ordinary household circuit breakers respond to early arcing and sparking?Home & YardA GFCI trips when current flowing out and back differs by as little as how much?Home & YardSince what year has the NEC required GFCI protection for bathroom receptacles, per CPSC?

That's stuff everyone should know.