Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters vs Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters
The world of electricity is filled with acronyms and abbreviations – kW (kilowatt), AC (alternating current), and POV (peak operating voltage). GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters) and AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupters) are also common electrical abbreviations. They both help protect your outlets from electrical accidents.
Ground fault circuit interrupters help prevent burns, electric shocks, and electrocution by detecting variations in current. A GFCI has sensors that measure the current going in and out. Normally, the current is balanced. However, if the current is out of balance, something is wrong. The electric current has made contact with a human or somewhere else it should not be. The GFCI senses this and instantly shuts down the circuit, stopping the flow of electricity. Install these in areas where water and electricity are in close proximity and can meet, since water is an electric conductor, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and garages.
Arc fault circuit interrupters help prevent electric fires caused by arc flash — an electrical discharge that can cause intense heat or light. Electricity can leak out of damaged or decaying wires and start a fire. These fires spread quickly in the wiring behind walls. Electric fires cause more damage than some other types of fire and are twice as deadly. AFCIs sense electricity is leaking from the electric system and interrups the circuit, shutting off electricity before overheating happens.
GFCIs prevent shocks, and AFCIs prevent fires. Both should be installed by a qualified electrician to make your home safer.
Tamper resistant outlets prevents shock caused by tampering with an outlet. The protective shutters are designed to move when a plug is correctly inserted. These became part of the National Electrical Code in 2008. If your home does not have these, install childproof devices.
