
GFCI vs. AFCI: What’s the Difference and Why Does Your Home Need Both?
If you’ve ever looked closely at the outlets in your kitchen or bathroom, you’ve probably noticed a few with “TEST” and “RESET” buttons in the middle. You may know they’re there for safety, but do you know what they actually protect you from? And then there’s AFCI protection, which you may never see at an outlet at all. GFCI and AFCI protection are both important parts of a modern home’s electrical safety system, but they protect against very different hazards. One is primarily designed to protect people from electrical shock, while the other helps protect your home from electrical fires caused by dangerous arcing. Understanding the difference can help you recognize potential electrical safety issues in your home and know