What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI outlets?

GFCI and AFCI outlets serve different safety purposes - GFCI protects against electrical shock from ground faults, while AFCI protects against electrical fires from arc faults. Both are required by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code in specific locations throughout your home.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets monitor the electrical current flowing through the hot and neutral wires. If even a tiny imbalance is detected (as little as 5 milliamps), the GFCI instantly cuts power to prevent electrocution. This happens when electricity finds an unintended path to ground - like through water or a person's body. GFCI outlets are the ones with "Test" and "Reset" buttons that you see in bathrooms and kitchens.

Under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, GFCI protection is mandatory within 1.5 meters of sinks, in bathrooms, outdoors, garages, and unfinished basements. This protection can come from GFCI outlets, GFCI breakers in your panel, or downstream GFCI protection. The ESA requires this because these areas have higher risk of water contact with electrical devices.

AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets detect dangerous electrical arcs that can cause fires. These arcs occur when electrical connections become loose, damaged, or deteriorated - creating sparking that can ignite surrounding materials. Unlike normal arcs (like when you unplug an appliance), dangerous arcs are sustained and create significant heat. AFCI devices use sophisticated electronics to distinguish between normal and hazardous arcing.

The Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires AFCI protection for bedroom circuits and other living areas in new construction and major renovations. This is typically provided by AFCI breakers in your electrical panel rather than AFCI outlets, though combination AFCI/GFCI outlets exist for areas requiring both protections.

Key differences in Ottawa homes:

• GFCI: Prevents shock, trips instantly on ground faults, required near water sources


• AFCI: Prevents fires, detects dangerous arcing, required in bedrooms and living areas


• Installation costs: GFCI outlets run $40-80 each installed, AFCI breakers cost $150-250 each


• Testing: Both should be tested monthly using their test buttons

Some newer homes use combination AFCI/GFCI devices that provide both protections. These are particularly useful in finished basements where you might have both requirements.

If your Ottawa home was built before these code requirements, you're not required to retrofit unless you're doing major electrical work. However, upgrading to include GFCI and AFCI protection significantly improves safety. During panel upgrades, many homeowners choose to add AFCI breakers for bedroom circuits and ensure proper GFCI protection throughout the home.

For questions about your specific electrical protection needs, consult with ESA-licensed electricians who can assess your home's current safety features and recommend appropriate upgrades based on current code requirements.

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