Safety
GFCI vs AFCI: What's the Difference?
Updated
Short answer
GFCI (ground-fault) protection prevents shock by cutting power when current leaks to ground, and is used near water. AFCI (arc-fault) protection prevents fires by detecting dangerous arcing in wiring, and is used for most living-area circuits.
Where GFCI goes
Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, garages, unfinished basements, crawl spaces and outdoors.
Where AFCI goes
Bedrooms, living rooms, hallways and most other living spaces under recent code editions.
Dual-function devices
Combination GFCI/AFCI breakers and outlets provide both protections in one device.
When to call an electrician
If anything is warm, smells hot, sparks or keeps failing after the simple checks above, stop and call. The electrician will test the circuit, find the cause and make it safe. Related service: GFCI & AFCI Protection.
Questions
Do I need to add AFCI to an older home?
Not usually unless circuits are replaced or extended, but adding it improves fire safety.
Editorial note: this guide is general information for US homes, not a substitute for an on-site assessment by a licensed electrician. Codes and permit rules vary by location.