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Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Question:
Greetings CQD,
I've been a reader in this forum for a while. My question is what is the difference between GFCI and AFCI protection?
Thanks for any guidance you can offer.
Andy Kim
A
Answer:
Hi Andy,
Thanks for the question. The answer is found in the definition of each term in Article 100 of the NEC as follows: Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI). A device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to deenergize the circuit when an arc fault is detected. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). A device intended for the protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof within an established period of time when a current to ground exceeds the values established for a Class A device.