What is the difference between a GFCI and an AFCI?

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) detects ground faults as low as 5 mA and cuts the circuit in less than 25 ms. It protects people against electrocution. It is required in: bathrooms, kitchens (countertops), outdoors, unfinished basements, garages, and near sinks.

An AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) detects series arcs (broken conductor) and parallel arcs (low-level short circuits). It is required in: bedroom circuits and living area receptacle circuits per the Code.

Since the 2024 Code, new bedrooms require combination GFCI/AFCI (dual-type) breakers. A combination breaker costs approximately $50 to $80, compared to $15 for a standard breaker.