AFCI vs GFCI: What's The Difference and Why You Should Care

День тому

AFCI vs GFCI: What’s The Difference?
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Breaking down the difference in protection between AFCI, GFCI, Standard Breakers, CAFCI and Arc Fault Circuit Breakers, and Dual-Function Circuit Breakers. If you've ever wondered what any of these do or where you should use them, this is going to completely change how you look at electrical safety.
There are different options available when it comes to AFCI and GFCI protection. For example, they can protect a single outlet (receptacle) or an entire circuit (breaker) depending on what your needs are. The best way to protect against any arc fault (parallel arc, series arc, and ground arc) is by using a Dual-Function CAFCI/GFCI breaker.
Refer to 2020 NEC 210.12 for more information about AFCI requirements
This is NOT a sponsored video. Some product links are affiliate links, including Amazon Affiliate links, which means if you buy something, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
📒 Video Notes 📒
=Product Link(s)=
GFCI Breaker: geni.us/vD0gign
GFCI Receptacle: geni.us/cN2JOA
CAFCI Breaker: geni.us/nkXs
AFCI Receptacle: geni.us/hHckw0
Dual-Function Breaker: geni.us/dAZ0n
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⏰ Chapter Timecodes ⏰
0:00 AFCI vs GFCI
0:13 What is GFCI
2:05 Standard Breaker Protection
3:02 What is AFCI (Parallel Arc Protection)
4:54 What is CAFCI (Series Arc Protection)
6:26 Dual-Function Breakers
7:02 AFCI Disadvantages
9:35 Is AFCI Worth It?
Disclaimer:
Top Homeowner produces videos for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Information here is not to be viewed as advice but as an opinion. Viewers should be aware that if they choose to work on their homes, they do so at their own risk. Top Homeowner is not responsible for any damages that may occur to the property of a viewer. Some of the projects, materials, and techniques may not be suitable for all ages or skill levels. It is up to the viewer to decide whether to consult with a professional before working on their home. We make no claims to the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources featured in this video, and we will not be held responsible for the actions viewers may choose to take with the information provided. It is recommended that viewers use common sense and take all necessary safety measures. Codes, regulations, standards, and rules are constantly changing around the world, so it is the viewer's responsibility to ascertain their local requirements before starting any type of work.

КОМЕНТАРІ: 696

@kkampy4052 Рік тому

GFCI's work by passing the hot and neutral through a coil. As long as the inbound and outbound currents are the same, no voltage will be generated in the coil. If there is a difference, a voltage will be generated and picked up by the circuitry. AFCI's work by detecting high frequency noise on the circuit generated by the arcing. This is why they trip when using brushed motors. I'm sure our old school slot cars would have played havoc with them.

@danharold3087 Рік тому

The power packs were transformers with IRRC 1/2 wave selenium rectifiers. Would be interesting to find out.

@kamX-rz4uy Рік тому

Thanks for this information, would have been nice if it was included in the video.

@GeorgeSmiley77 Рік тому

@@kamX-rz4uy Darn right! Up till this moment, I found it hard to really trust GFCIs because I couldn't figure out what the detection mechanism was. Now that I know, I can trust GFCIs.

@megamaser Рік тому

This comment is better than the video

@anwalt693 Рік тому

Thank you for taking the time to provide the additional clarification. It's good to know THAT they work, but even better to know HOW they work.

@MonzaTom Рік тому

I am a General Contractor in northern California and I became an electrician in the 80's and your video is how ALL videos should be here. Clear, accurate and to the point! Well done!!

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Thank you!

@E3ECO Рік тому

Yes, I liked it, too. No fluffing around, just raw information.

@mb-3faze 5 місяців тому

As far as I can tell, none of these special devices will protect a human from a shock if the person grabs the hot and neutral at the same time. So some child grabbing and pulling out a plug when their little fingers go round to touch the conductors, before full disconnect, is still not protected. I'm not sure it's actually possible to provide this protection.

@nightrider963 Місяць тому

@@mb-3faze No but since you jogged my memory, it would probably protect from what I did at about two years old. I remember almost nothing from my youth however this is so vivid in my mind even now many decades later. IDK if the electricity burned it into my brain or if I remember it so vividly because how all the adults started screaming and freaking out. We had terrazzo floors and I was barefoot. I found a bobby pin / hair pin on the floor and I promptly stuck it in the wall socket. It was the type that was kinda “U” shaped and I put one end in each side and was immediately amazed with all the little fire balls jumping and rolling around on the terrazzo floor. How I wasn’t killed I’ll never know but then again I should have been killed many other times since then as well, I guess the Lord needs me here to be a bad example of stupid things to do.

@igoro5635 Рік тому

I am an electrical engineer and a contractor and want to say, that it's a very good and easy to understand explanation of AFCI and GFCI protection.

@deang5622 Рік тому

But to be honest, it is not hard to explain what the purposes of the two devices are and how they work, is it? I mean, it's not as if the presenter is trying to explain how to take a signal in the time domain and convert it to a representation in the frequency domain...now that would be beyond most electricians.

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Thanks, I appreciate that!

@agbhargihad7325 Рік тому

@@deang5622 you're so SMRT....

@MattH-wg7ou Рік тому

@@deang5622 dont be that guy. "Acckkttually..."

@markaxelson2274 6 місяців тому

Fast fourier transform..... @@deang5622

@DBR00 5 місяців тому

Thank you for not embedding background music to this video. I liked the clear explanations and good camera work.

@glennford5001 9 місяців тому

For the common person, like me, this was a good explanation. Examples of devices that might trip an AFCI would be helpful.

@TopHomeowner 8 місяців тому

I made a follow-up video about devices that can be an issue here: ukposts.info/have/v-deo/jWaFe42kkZl1pJc.html

@ednovak2224 Рік тому

Great tutorial. Concise yet easy to understand by non-pros. Thanks.

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Glad it was helpful!

@amanuelasmerom508 Рік тому

The most clear and accurate explanation of GFCI & AFCI. Keep the good work!

@TopHomeowner 11 місяців тому

Thank you!

@Digidoc316 Рік тому

All these descriptions are all well and good but you missed the most important part! The National Electrical Code (NEC) and the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) have made GFCI and AFCI MANDITORY FOR ALL CIRCUITS! I recently changed out the entire electrical system in my house. Much of it was aluminum wire with cloth covering into ungrounded metal boxes without retaining clamps! I had to replace everything from the meter to the last outlet box! The fire inspector showed me in the code book the distances apart, the power limitations, and the protection required. Needless to say, the job QUADRUPLED in cost!

@dmitripogosian5084 Рік тому

I don't know how code works where you live, but were I live old circuits are grandfathered, and you do not need to redo them to modern code, if you do not touch them.

@jaysorensenIBEW Рік тому

Yeah. They've gotten more stringent. I don't do residential, so thanks for the reminder.

@cyleung4915 Рік тому

Thanks for the very clear and concise tutorial and very many thanks for your generous sharing of your professional knowledge.

@thinkfirst6431 Рік тому

Comment about GFCI outlets and circuit breakers. I have installed several GFCI circuit breakers in outside standard "weather resistant" circuit breaker boxes. The GFCI circuit breakers are expensive, do cover all of the outlets and lights on that circuit. What I have found is that the GFCI circuit breakers can be sensitive to the weather conditions outside of the structure that they are placed in. Replacing the GFCI circuit breaker with a GFCI outlet in the first position after the breaker will provide the same outlet protection while still being sheltered from the elements.

@stevenmoomey2115 Рік тому

I second that, I never install GFCI in an Outdoor Location. Much better to install them near the Breaker Panel. Also walking to the Breaker Panel, gives you time to think off, what you did wrong. BTW WR on the Receptacle Stands for Water Resistant. Always PO’s me when they are installed upside down, so the “WR,” is upside down.

@jasonantes9500 Рік тому

It's what I never understood about some of GFCI outlet installations I've seen where the only one is at the end of a chain in the bathroom or kitchen or having to have a GFCI outlet at every outlet in said area when they are on the same circuit.

@emotionz3 Рік тому

It’s totally true humidity and even temperature swings seem to trigger GFCI. Bathrooms are less affected because the outlet is in the wall and humidity/temp swings are short term. Outdoors, and humidity in an outlet can freeze and thaw, displacing the moisture further, causing a false trigger. Of course whether one considered it a false trigger is hotly debated. Many outdoor devices, for example a Radon fan I recently installed, specifically state not to wire to a GFCI circuit. That seems counter intuitive until you realize it’s service reliability will be greatly reduced throughout the year especially in cold winter months where ice will melt and displace moisture inside the motor housing causing a differential in hot/neutral voltage through resistance from the moisture. Naturally, you can’t install a radon fan or many fans/motors in general of AFCI or CFCI circuits because the brushes in the motor generate the high frequency noise detected by arc fault integrated circuits, causing a false trigger. I believe brushless motors will become more standard over time as integration into arc fault circuits is required by various codes but as it stands now at lease in Chicago where I live many devices can be excluded from arc fault circuits in new construction such as high frequency lighting, motors, pumps, etc.

@_xyx. 4 місяці тому

It's likely that they were only required in the specific locations at the time of installation and early GFIs may not have had the passthrough feature of new ones.

@varanidguy 5 місяців тому

I recently ran a new circuit in my garage because one just didn't exist. The breaker I installed is a combo CAFCI/GFCI because overbuilt is better than underbuilt.

@aotilanyoldthingilike1686 8 місяців тому

Most clearly written and spoken explanation that I have seen on UKposts. I have subscribed because I am hoping that all videos on this UKposts channel are narrated with carefully composed and edited language

@dplj4428 Рік тому

Differences and life-saving benefits made very easy to understand. Thank you.

@Mr.Beauregarde Рік тому

If you put GFI breakers in your breaker boxes be sure and label them both prominently and indelibly. Joe Weekend might be asking for a shock when he replaces them with just-as-good breakers, but his kids probably deserve our best efforts to protect them

@riedjacobsen8620 Рік тому

I discovered that spider nests inside my outdoor receptacles caused my panel GCFI to trip. Replaced the cheap receptacles with commercial grade and haven't had a problem since.

@tredogzs Рік тому

Where do u get cheap electrical products? I needs to know!!!

@winterburden Рік тому

harbor freight

@suiethacks4740 Рік тому

Great video. Consider an appendix. Extension cords are the most common source of arcing fires since they are run under rugs and forgotten.

@bob456fk6 Рік тому

Yes, indeed. Furniture legs, especially metal legs, can cause the wires in an extension cord to short. That's a parallel arc or over-current condition.

@Troy-McClure81 Рік тому

When we took over the 30 year old house we live in ,I was amazed by how it passed code,15amp Gfci on a 20amp breaker,non functional, and the other in my garage as well as not functional 2 story house 1989 build.Just recently changed my last fixture in the hall closet,and no suprise ground wasn't connected plastered in place lol.Eventually we will have whole house rewired and replumbed.Good explanation video.

@CharlesMartel676 Рік тому

Hey, PJV.... No, I'm sure it was NOT to code; that's why you always want a home inspection before closing.

@Troy-McClure81 Рік тому

@@CharlesMartel676 ya i think the in-laws were just trusting that the City Inspector did there job,I was flabbergasted to say the least when we first walked into the house.But frame to finish in 30days is Sketchy back then it was only 3 inspections if I remember correctly 1989-90 when my house was built and finished.Hell even my tile roof is dropping tiles like dollars on a stage.

@paulverstraete9157 Рік тому

15 amp gfis are rated at 20 amp feed thru...look at any new gfi in a store....its fine

@paulverstraete9157 Рік тому

also if 2 or more plugs in a circuit can use 15 amp plugs on a 20 amp as per the nec

@paulverstraete9157 Рік тому

and if you hook the power to the load side of a gfi it wont trip...old landlords trick...

@soylencer 2 дні тому

Your point about them being required in new boxes put me at ease about why it was so hard to find a combo AFCI/GFCI receptacle today. Sounds like new house doesn't need AFCI because it's already present at the breaker, old house doesn't "need" it because it's not needed for code. The only people still shopping for them are overly cautious DIYers and special projects. But I needed a GFCI for the wet areas, and decided to splurge for one for a dedicated microwave line. I'll be happy to have spent the extra $9 total to reduce my fire risk by at least that much. Luckily, while they didn't really upgrade my breaker, they did re-run most of the Romex. So at least I'm not looking at fabric in this 100 year old house.

@waynepowell567 10 місяців тому

Excellent info & presentation. Not enough information is made available to the public to be able to make an informed decision so thank you for sharing and placing some light on this crucial subject, It is very much appreciated.

@TopHomeowner 10 місяців тому

Thank you, and I'm glad you found it helpful!

@user-ke7et7zx4z 3 місяці тому

Well done professor. Perfect presentation.

@TheEDFLegacy 11 днів тому

Thank you for this. I think I'm going to use this video to demonstrate the purposes of these devices. I'm currently working on a retrofit where I plan to replace a lot of receptacles with dual-function units, and replacing some light switches with these newly invented AFCI light switches. Extremely handy for old homes!

@billm.8220 Рік тому

Very well explained. Precise & easy to understand.

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Thank you!

@dermatologymiami Рік тому

Thank you content that is a complicated subject matter explained concisely and succinctly including the practical business standpoint

@jammer6524 Рік тому

My new house has AFCI breakers with GFCI receptacles in garage , kitchen and bathrooms. The electrician we hired to hook us to the grid told us that's a costly breakers box but worth it. 30 plus years working as a plant operator at a power plant you get to know breakers well. By the way well done video.

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

I bet you do! Thanks for the comment!

@user-ks6gd1vj5f 9 днів тому

Wow, this is exactly what I needed, thank you so much! Great presentation as well.

@peterburi2727 Рік тому

I noticed that you showed a hospital grade receptacle. I usually purchase those. Worth the extra money.

@stevebabiak6997 Рік тому

Another type of arc occurs when the blades on a plug aren’t in tight enough contact with the contacts in the wall receptacle.

@lukeknowles5700 Рік тому

Great video. Clear and coherent presentation. You are a great tutor.

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Thank you very much!

@robertmungenast4193 Рік тому

nice video on explaining the difference between the afci and gfci

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Thank you!

@jacklucas7265 Рік тому

Thank you for that information. I think I will act upon it shortly.

@Liriq Рік тому

I'm very sensitive to fire prevention. My close family came home one weekend night, and found the apartment building they lived in on fire. No one was hurt, but the apartment and all its contents were gone. Same for several other apartment. Fire dept was on scene and fire was already under control when they came home. Investigation concluded that fire was due to old/faulty wiring. Building had good insurance. The trauma of such a destruction and upheaval struck me hard. Been very thoughtful about fire prevention and fire suppression since. Photoelectric smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, turning off breakers when I leave the house etc etc. Thanks for the info!

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Wow, thanks for sharing your story. Glad no one was hurt.

@harvey66616 Рік тому

Sounds like a terrible thing to happen. That said, how do you feel about "protection" devices that are so unreliable, they induce people to ignore the very problems they are supposed to protect against, or to just get rid of the devices altogether? Because that's what AFCI breakers are right now. They are like a smoke detector that goes off at the drop of a hat, whether there's a fire or not.

@jasonhouse481 Рік тому

You have one of the best videos I have seen so far... no distracting music and jokes... so eloquent, structured, informative and detailed. And you left that annoying cliche like subscribe and comment nonsense for the end (take it out all together!! everyone says it.. if your channel is awesome people will do it without you telling them to) Keep this kind of content up and you'll b on your way to a million subscribers

@romnickz9 Рік тому

Very nice comment. Cheers.

@paulpugh2480 Рік тому

Thanks for these explanations.

@mb1284 Рік тому

This is a very good video for new homes or a rehab. It's code the more protection the better less of a fire. You might spend a little more or more than you expect, but it worth it . If you work at home it's worth having up dated electrical.

@larryslobster7881 Рік тому

exactly what i needed

@bodyshop8008 Рік тому

Very Helpful! Well done on the explanation too.

@wickedcode007 Рік тому

I have AFCI in my trailer, and want to share an experience with regard to nuisance trips. I learned that a battery charger, not connected to load has some sort of issue because when i plugged in, the AFCI tripped. A regular outlet on a circuit breaker does not, nor does a GFCI. I have two of these chargers, the second does not trip the AFCI. Leading me to think that a problem in the first one is likely the cause, so I disposed of it to be safe. Thanks for this video.

@joeycmore Рік тому

Our jurisdiction requires afci on most circuits plus gfci near water usages or when old wiring (non-grounded) is connected to.

@calebschannel505 17 днів тому

Very helpful explanation!

@nomerc3608 Рік тому

Thanks for the refresher!

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

You bet!

@jimboinsa Рік тому

Good video. I used the combination breaker on my pool pump.

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Nice 👍

@1bigslug Рік тому

Thank for explaining these. Very well done!

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Glad it was helpful!

@donchristie420 Рік тому

Note: HUD in our state wants rentals to have all circuits protected and remember, you can only have one circuit per fault breaker

@MrNunna Рік тому

Good video! Excellent narration, Subscribed.

@krazmokramer Рік тому

Well done video! Thank you for this valuable information.

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Sure thing! Glad you enjoyed it!

@mariovela6206 Рік тому

Thank You so much for all this detail video!!!!

@lii1Il Рік тому

I love the dual function but how well does it work connected to the AC side of a solar system?

@dkleath8697 Рік тому

Do you know / can you address this subject as it pertains to Recrational Vehicles ( plugged into dedicated 50 amp residential service)? Thank you!

@G.I.JeffsWorkbench Місяць тому

Very clear explanation. Thank you.

@steveksi Рік тому

GFCI and AFCIs outlets only protect down stream. So if you are looking for in wall protection then best to invest in the breakers.

@jaysorensenIBEW Рік тому

They're way more reliable, too.

@emmanaing2084 6 місяців тому

Thank you for making this video.. learned so much from it.

@TopHomeowner 6 місяців тому

You're welcome!

@allenft8396 Рік тому

Love your videos!

@D.N.R.911 Рік тому

Oh man this was very helpful thanks for sharing

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Glad it was helpful!

@russadams3008 Рік тому

I installed AFCI breakers on all my old (1955) circuits. However, I had to remove one and go back to the original breaker on the furnace motor circuit. Too many nuisance trips. There is an issue with GFCI breakers. I have one circuit that supplies an outdoor outlet. When the contractor remodeled the master bathroom, he tied it into that circuit. Now, if the outdoor outlet trips, it affects the bathroom outlet too.

@johnsamuels6021 9 місяців тому

Excellent video !

@Tech42420 Рік тому

Removed the town mandated AFCI breaker on our refrigerator after two nuisance trips. Lost hundreds of $$$ in food as we were out of town in both events. AFCI breakers were mandated after a kitchen remodel. We had NO electrical problems for 23 years before the remodel. Also removed the AFCI breaker for the 110 volt line that powers the igniters for the gas burners on our stove for the nuisance tripping issue. The oven would loose its flame w/o warning.

@chipsramek3868 Рік тому

CGI can be as bad...this guy is selling FEAR OF ELECTROCUTION...

@JoeFeser Рік тому

Yeah screw that. What a pain in the ass.

@servicetechnician3264 Рік тому

I had an arcing issue with an outlet in my basement. The hot wire was found to be loose and had carboned up over the years. If it was not for my dog alerting me, (He kept staring and sniffing the outlet) I probably would have had a fire for sure. I could see the glow when I took the outlet cover off! So I would say an AFTI would have worked there. BTW, that dog got a nice juicy steak for his meal. George B

@TinoSoto Рік тому

Good boy.

@jaysorensenIBEW Рік тому

Dogs are great. Try getting that out of a cat. The cat would watch you burn up in a fire, and then start eating you when he got hungry enough lol

@shockproof2006 7 місяців тому

It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. Your presentations are well-organized, informative, clear and thorough, so I always take away a bit beyond what I came for.

@TopHomeowner 7 місяців тому

Thank you for your comment!

@arthurlunais Рік тому

Will a ceiling fan cause the AFCI / GFCI dual interrupt breaker to pop? Being that the ceiling fan motor electricity changes according to the speed you set it to will it affect in some way?

@takeniteasyfriend Рік тому

Thanks for the nuggets of difference on using the “combination” in lieu of basic AFCI for more robust arc protection. I was trying to figure it why I’d spend more money on what appeared to both be dual function GFCI/AFCI. Now I know if it doesn’t have C/AFCI you’re missing out on that additional point of protection in the circuit algorithm.

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Glad it helped! Yeah I really don't see the point in going with AFCI when it doesn't cover everything.

@joehaggerty9593 Рік тому

Will the use of X10 power line control devices trip afci cafci protection?

@EastCoastWingNuts Рік тому

I might of missed it in the comments but I wish you could of told us how to identify one from the other. Very helpful vid on what they do.

@1967250s Рік тому

Also who makes them and where? Hate buying crap from overseas that fails. Can you get them at the big box stores, or do you need to go to a dedicated electric store? Where are the best places to have them installed? Any advice on whether to use a breaker or outlet in which places?

@caseylascallette7269 Рік тому

You can get them at home Depot and Lowes... They say AFCI or GFCI on both the packaging and the breaker...

@EastCoastWingNuts Рік тому

@@caseylascallette7269 ID actually on breaker , Thanks !

@waswestkan Рік тому

I have to be fairly certain the devices have the information you desire labele on them

@wb5plj Рік тому

Keep in mind that with 128.45 million households in the USA (2020 Census) 35,000 fires means that there is a .027% chance of having a fire. Of which something like half (17,500) may be prevented with AFCI/CFCI protection, about .013% chance of having an AFCI/CFCI preventable fire. This could be broken down further to work out your particular risk. Which is not to say this is not a good idea for protection. I thought your video was good and clear and thanks for making it but I did feel that the number of households is relevant. Thanks for the video.

@mukdajangkrajang4582 2 місяці тому

With the these new code requirements the cost of building just got more expensive.

@aaronstandifer8687 9 місяців тому

Quick question. Why does my gfci trip if my cell phone is close by. For example when I’m shaving I tend to place phone near the outlet.

@TopHomeowner 9 місяців тому

It's most likely do to RFI (radio frequency interference) and the circuitry is interpreting that as an issue.

@burntsider8457 Рік тому

Good explanation.

@michaelboucher3100 4 місяці тому

Have a bathroom outlet 3 feet from sink and outlet is GFCI. House built 2012. Would a wall mounted heater require (or would it be highly advisable) AFCI on plug? Thank you.

@salamia704 11 місяців тому

thank you, well done!

@TopHomeowner 11 місяців тому

Glad it was helpful!

@Frankie5Angels150 Рік тому

My brand new (2022) house has AFCI breakers. Out clothes drier trips it constantly. I disconnected the second ground wire in the back of the drier to prevent this but can I just replace the Arc Fault breaker with a normal GFCI breaker and reconnect that wire in the drier? If not, what am I SUPPOSED to do to remain in code?

@douglaskeaty6134 Місяць тому

Thanks for the info. Most electricians have no idea. I hope some CEU's are required for license renewal. Can you please explain 208 single phase in a residential application?

@TriPham-sn9jj Рік тому

thanks for this pre sen tation

@jimbronson687 Рік тому

Great info thanks.

@darrylm3627 Рік тому

Good Content,GreatTips😀👍🏿

@lukeblackford1677 Рік тому

I have some rent houses with ungrounded circuits and was wondering if installing the combination breakers would be an adequate solution.

@jaysorensenIBEW Рік тому

As a matter of fact, you're right. No grounds is in violation of current NEC codes, but an allowed exception is GFI protection on said circuits.

@nickseamus7340 Рік тому

No. Don't cheap out on the safety of your tenants. Have the homes rewired.

@NullStaticVoid Рік тому

Once got in an argument with an electrician who came to do an estimate at my mothers house. He kept interrupting and correcting me whenever I said GFCI. "you mean GFI, ground fault interrupt". I let it go. But after he left my mom and I turned to each other. "yeah, he's not getting the job". I've been building electronics since I was 10 years old. My favorite place to hang out when I was a kid was Radio Shack, back when it was more than batteries and cell phones. My mom was confident I knew what I was talking about, and this electrician was possibly not so great. Besides, nobody wants to work with a rude contractor. We found a better guy through a neighbor who runs a construction business.

@2adamast 3 місяці тому

"... but GFCI is a more common term"

@rossr6616 19 днів тому

“GFI” was the original common term for them

@koryabel6319 11 місяців тому

I’m a resi guy looking for better ways to explain to people how GFCIs work. I always use the same example of the hairdryer in the bathroom. Anyway, great explaination mate!

@carlosrodriguez-ub4sv 9 місяців тому

This is a great video

@BornToFly4031 Рік тому

Great job, so, my AFCI breaker is tripping on a brand new install of a Trane Heat Pump in new construction. When approaching the contractor, how do I address this if they want to just replace the breaker with a non-AFCI?

@daves7775 Рік тому

As I understand it - you get to WAIT until the project is done. And then get the contractor to come back or you do it yourself - but replace it with just a GFCI. Course you could go 'standard' - but I love GFCI's and the safety they give and their reliability. AFCI's are a mandated problem; which your contractor cannot legally substitute. They are a good idea - but it seems they are also impossible to make so that you don't have them tripping from totally correctly functioning appliances.

@williamsumner9188 Рік тому

Let's him,this is more about nec,and nfca engine er

@brush_popper 10 місяців тому

Thanks.❤

@TopHomeowner 10 місяців тому

You're welcome 😊

@dickmadison9619 9 місяців тому

Should a GFCi receptacle be warm to the touch? Without anything plugged into it, it is warm to the touch and concerns me that it may be bad and headed for trouble. I replaced it about 10/12 yrs. ago. It has repeatedly tripped when a hair dryer is used, even on low setting. Lately it is tripping without anything plugged directly into it and I can't find what is making it trip. Does it sound as if just needs repalacing? I hope I did not derail your postings. :)

@TopHomeowner 8 місяців тому

It shouldn't be noticably warm to the touch, especially if it hasn't recently been in use. Warmth can be attributed to resistance so you may have a bad GFCI or connection. Sounds like its bad since it's tripping on it's own

@parveenmehay6753 Рік тому

Thanks bro useful for me this vedio

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Glad to hear that

@MikeSiemens88 Рік тому

Aside from cost an issue particularly with GFCI & AFCI circuit breakers is the amount of extra space they take up in a panel. One of these typically takes up the space of 2 normal breakers. The receptacles also take up much more space in a box which can be a problem when there are multiple wire connectors for branch circuits in there. I've installed several circuit breakers to keep up with code requirements. Also have a couple GFCI receptacles. No problems with the GFCI breaker but had an AFCI breaker fail. Can't confirm why but I don't think it was due to circuit overload & suspect the breaker itself was faulty, nearly caused a fire. I smelled burning, went to investigate & found the breaker scorched at the neutral connection. I disconnected the other AFCI breaker & hooked the circuits back up with standard breakers. No longer trust AFCI circuit breakers after that episode.

@caseylascallette7269 Рік тому

In what make of main service panel do afci breakers take up two spaces?

@andrewshedron425 Рік тому

Not all of them take up extra space. Siemens with plug on neutral are same exact size.

@MikeSiemens88 Рік тому

@@caseylascallette7269 I have a Siemens panel & both GFCI & AFCI breakers take up double the space I can fit a normal 15 amp breaker.

@MikeSiemens88 Рік тому

@@andrewshedron425 See my reply to Casey Lascallette. Perhaps slimmer versions are available now but not when I was looking.

@caseylascallette7269 Рік тому

Are you using tandems?

@dougphillips5686 Рік тому

The recepticals with push to connect can cause arc faults. I have seen three trailers and two houses where push to connects caused fires.

@danharold3087 Рік тому

Yeah use the screw terminals and the problem goes away.

@gene3122 Рік тому

Should be outlawed

@daktusdurggery5505 Місяць тому

Question, why don’t we put ground facing up like they do in some places? So confused on this

@markoshun Рік тому

I know you can put a GFCI on the first receptacle in a circuit and that will protect the others down the line. Can you do the same with AFCIs?

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

Yes, these work the same way

@Heimbasteln Рік тому

Here in Germany the GFCI is mandatory for all new electrical installations for the whole house. I have installed them to protect my whole house, and I think everyone should at least have them (Although the voltage in the US is only half as high). But we have different panels than you guys do, so we can install one GFCI (with no breaker inside) for multiple breakers, so the cost really isnt that high over here. I havent given much thought about AFCIs, but it might be a good decision to get them as well, although they can cause problems with the nuisance tripping and they are more expensive than GFCIs over here.

@matthewfournier6478 Рік тому

If you are operating with 240 volts with ring circuits. The amperage never reaches the threshold to need protection for series circuits. Parallel arcing would still be needed but I haven’t heard of those in EUROPEAN countries.

@lukedoherty8062 Рік тому

@@matthewfournier6478 only really an issue with ring circuits in the UK. Not sure if Ireland use them too but rest if Europe use 16amp radials mainly

@okaro6595 9 місяців тому

@@matthewfournier6478 It is the voltage that causes arcing.

@mikep490 Рік тому

Maybe you could explain more why each breaker is required under current code? I first heard of AFCI breakers a few years ago when replacing my main panel. This house was built in 1978 and, at the time, panels didn't have a master breaker. 150A feeds were allowed for "Arkansas" homes (energy efficient) instead of the standard 250A for other homes and the combo worried me. I was required to install AFCI in bedroom circuits. I've heard 2 reasons. 1. Kids might plug something into an outlet. 2. Outlets that are used a lot will break sooner. In either case, you don't want a fire in a sleeping space.

@JD-yx7be Рік тому

Regulations always increase in every industry. Building codes are making it so expensive to build. Yes it is slightly safer but with increasing homelessness is it a net positive?

@mikep490 Рік тому

@@JD-yx7be True. But I'd add that it's not building codes that are driving the costs of housing. Material costs are WAY up and an entry level house is 50% bigger these days. Sub-1000 sqft was common thru the 80's for entry level. Lot costs are so high these days that an old house is a fraction of the total value of the property.

@ZoomZoom870atGmail Рік тому

My house was built in 52 here in Arkansas and I have absolutely no idea how it made it from then until I bought it. It originally had a single 100 amp breaker and that's it. I now have a 300 amp service (convenient now that we have two electric cars) the actual wiring coming into the weather head was overkill and I have two of my own transformers separate from the rest of the neighborhood My shop has its own meter and separate billing because my shop has 277 volt light fixtures that look like they were pulled out of an old factory, and also came with welders , a drill press, and a few other large machines all labeled 208 volt (I honestly have no idea how it gets 208 but the 277 is its own completely independent circuit with a completely different weather head) I'm assuming all that equipment was also from some factory that went out of business.

@ronniedmiller8821 Рік тому

Video was 6 months ago. I have a older house and had to have a new breaker box installed because I couldn’t get anymore breakers in the box. The electrician installed AFCI breakers because he stated that when they built the house and if they crossed wires in a plug or several plugs it would keep tripping the GFCI. Is that correct?? Since I’m not a electrician I would like to know. Thanks. 03-14-2023

@Anavllama Рік тому

Okay I have a leviton panel and cannot fine CAFCI CBs anywhere on their website ?? Only AFCI?

@bowlineobama 4 місяці тому

Thanks for the information. I don't understand why these things are not installed as standard requirements in the houses when they are being built. I really don't understand.

@rossr6616 19 днів тому

AFCI’s are a relatively recent development

@JohnSherman2 Рік тому

So how does all this protection work out with portable devices the use motor brushes.

@DrewMtl Рік тому

Is there a tester that you can use to check plug or light circuits with? So after I install some shelves onto a wall i can check to see I didn't accidentally nip a wire.

@somaday2595 Рік тому

Megger meter - Use before connecting the circuit wiring to the GFCI and nothing plug into any receptacles on that circuit.

@davemeise2192 Рік тому

Good video. Risk management is something we, as modern humans, haven't really needed to do on such a vast and large scale for a long time. I'm happy to see more awareness of the need to be "aware" of the risks we face in our modern world. However I think we need to use caution when approaching the concept of "make the world 100% safe for everyone." Life has risk and is the cost benefit ratio for said risk(s) worthwhile? I don't know but it's worth discussing.

@slowery43 Рік тому

you really think people came here to read you babbling about stuff you have such little knowledge in but feel compelled to toss out a ton of cliches to appear smart?

@friedrice7 Рік тому

@@slowery43 😆

@jaysorensenIBEW Рік тому

Can't thin out the non hackers if we've got these damn safety devices around...

@davidweum Рік тому

If/when home insurers demand changing out receptacles for pre-80's homes (that do not have grounds ( I know this because they are in my house and i only know this because i have to replace one or more as i speak - the reason i must learn this), we might as well learn about it as DYI 'ERS.

@dreonphlatamus Рік тому

The arc fault of both kinds are pretty much Nanny junk . What needs to happen is just a device to test the circuit upon installation ... which would be nice if it could tell you how far down the line the arc is happening. Then fix it ,,, but for regular use , just use your regular over amperage breakers. GFCI's are of course good things though. I guess also if doing anything involving penetrating the wall with nails & screws. Would then be a good time to test the circuit for arc faults. Knowing your circuits , and where the wires might be running is a good thing for any DIYer . But this set it and forget it type of safety , is pretty ridiculous IMHO .

@moodberry Рік тому

This is GREAT info. Well done. But you said that there is a dual CAFCI and GFCI breakers available "if you have room in your breaker box" What did you mean? Did you mean that these dual breakers are physically larger, or did you mean if we just have more slots available in our box?

@_xyx. 4 місяці тому

These breakers typically require two slots each so you need some spare slots to replace old breakers.

@mrsamba8151 5 місяців тому

Thanks mate

@TopHomeowner 5 місяців тому

Happy to help

@James_Knott Рік тому

Years ago, AC-DC motors with brushes and commutators were commonplace and you could frequently see them arcing. I wonder how those AFCIs would handle that situation.

@daves7775 Рік тому

They DON'T not very well! Manufacturers have submitted 'maps' of the arcing from motors - which are somehow programmed into the AFCI - but that doesn't work very well. They go off all the time when using a vacuum or a treadmill or a drill... They've become required in various places of the home - and than after approval and someone living there - they sometimes get removed - because tools or just doing regular household work or functions - set them off.

@alejandrogalarza3147 Рік тому

That's over-engineered crap, it trips on vacuum motors or even just very slowly closing a light switch, just having the ground wire and a GFCI outlet I consider to be perfectly safe.

@wyit5223 4 місяці тому

All my brushed tools that draw over 10 Amps steady state trip 20A arc fault breakers...

@wrdennig 25 днів тому

If you protect a circuit with a breaker, are you required to put a GFCI sticker on all protected receptacle wall plates? Or, are there wall plates with GFCI emblazoned on them?

@southernguy35 3 місяці тому

My old landlord knew all the tricks of the trade and did everything the cheapest way, his way. I kept smelling what I thought was cigarette smoke in the house of a night. I don't smoke. I finally tracked it down to a connection he or one of his "helpers" did coming out of the circuit breaker box. The twist connector had gotten so hot that it was melted on the wiring. He had twisted together aluminum wire to copper. This is something you do not do. Both expand and contract at different rates and the connection will come loose. He always did things the cheapest for him. He updated the living room with new drywall but put in no insulation in the ceiling making it really hard to heat.

@kathyryan7611 Рік тому

Thank you

@TopHomeowner Рік тому

You bet!

@FlayingBridenbakerdo Рік тому

Thanks.

@i.b.deplorable Рік тому

Thanks for the excellent video. I was hoping that you would spend a little more time on 'nuisance trips'. Major appliances like microwaves and refrigerators can have higher current draw at startup and cause the AFCI receptacles to nuisance-trip - or so I have been told. I have been bothered by nuisance trips in my microwave circuit, and have been meaning to get around to taking out that receptacle and replacing it with a standard one. BTW, I was told by the building inspector to do this if it became a nuisance. Since the microwave is on a dedicated circuit and the microwave's chassis is grounded, I don't see any risk in doing so. Comments?

@dryan8377 Рік тому

These things are electronically controlled & age does not help. Replace it with a newer GFCI and you'll probably be set.

@i.b.deplorable Рік тому

@@dryan8377 Thanks for the comment, Dylan. Very true - they can get worn out from age, or from too many trips (I suppose).

@harvey66616 Рік тому

A dedicated circuit and grounded chassis don't have any relevance to arc faults, the events AFCI are intended to address. That said, I had a house built, moved in a few years ago, and the AFCI breakers were all kinds of trouble. We eventually got things settled down, mainly by putting in newer versions of the same breakers. Apparently the manufacturer does work to update them to have less nuisance tripping. But even so, while it's a lot better now, they still trip for no good reason once in a while (the vacuum cleaner being the main culprit at this point). The breaker manufacturers love to quote how many house fires might be avoided with AFCI breakers. But with all the false positives, people learn to not trust the breakers. And if the fault is inside a wall, it's not like a homeowner even has any sort of practical way to diagnose the problem. They're just going to assume that it's a nuisance trip, get annoyed it keeps happening, and put in a non-AFCI breaker, negating any benefit the AFCI breaker might have provided for all that expense. This seems to me a great example of a road to hell being paved with good intentions (if one charitably really believes that the manufacturers are just out to save lives, and not just grab thousands of extra dollars per new home built).

@Heimbasteln Рік тому

@@dryan8377 Yeah a GFCI thats not faulty never has nuisance trips, its not the same with the AFCI, as it just looks for waveforms that look like sparking, so if an appliance generates those waveforms its gonna trip the AFCI.