Though both provide enhanced electrical safety and have similar acronyms, AFCIs and GFCIs protect against very different things. Use this table to learn the differences and values of these safety technologies.
AFCI or GFCI Protects Against:
AFCI: Arc-Faults – a dangerous electrical problem caused by damage, overheated, or stressed electrical wiring or devices that may result in a fire
GFCI: Ground-Faults – an unintentional electrical path between a power source and a grounded surface. A person who becomes part of a path for leakage current will be severely shocked or electrocuted
