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

Рет қаралды 1,275,708

Күн бұрын

AFCI vs GFCI: What’s The Difference?
📢 Subscribe to Top Homeowner Here: geni.us/tophomeowner
👇 CLICK SHOW MORE 👇
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
Connect with Top Homeowner on Social Media:
✍ Visit our blog @ www.tophomeowner.com
📷 Follow us on Instagram: / tophomeowner
👍 Join us on Facebook: / tophomeowner
🐦 Tweet us on Twitter: / tophomeowner
📢 Subscribe to Top Homeowner Here: geni.us/tophomeowner
--------Cameras and Gear Used To Make This Video ------
Curious about all the Tools 🛠 and Gear 🎬 we use on Top Homeowner?
Full list here: kit.co/tophomeowner
Like the Graphics and Music? ♪♫♪
Download Unlimited Creatives for All Your Projects:
Envato Elements: geni.us/AZYHh6
#tophomeowner #electrical #diy
⏰ 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.

Пікірлер: 722

@MonzaTom Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@E3ECO Жыл бұрын

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

@mb-3faze 6 ай бұрын

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 2 ай бұрын

@@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.

@gowdsake7103 27 күн бұрын

But ALL your sockets are CRAP

@kkampy4052 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@kamX-rz4uy Жыл бұрын

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

@GeorgeSmiley77 Жыл бұрын

@@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 Жыл бұрын

This comment is better than the video

@anwalt693 Жыл бұрын

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.

@igoro5635 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I appreciate that!

@agbhargihad7325 Жыл бұрын

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

@MattH-wg7ou Жыл бұрын

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

@markaxelson2274 7 ай бұрын

Fast fourier transform..... @@deang5622

@DBR00 6 ай бұрын

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

@glennford5001 10 ай бұрын

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

@TopHomeowner 9 ай бұрын

I made a follow-up video about devices that can be an issue here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i5yEerqev8moc5c.html

@aotilanyoldthingilike1686 9 ай бұрын

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

@ednovak2224 Жыл бұрын

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

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Tech42420 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@JoeFeser Жыл бұрын

Yeah screw that. What a pain in the ass.

@stephenrocks7004 25 күн бұрын

It is code that dedicated motor loads like your refrigerator and your garbage disposal. Do not have to be GFI. It’s somewhere in section 250 and if you note it is the largest section in the NEC.

@dplj4428 Жыл бұрын

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

@amanuelasmerom508 Жыл бұрын

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

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@cyleung4915 Жыл бұрын

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

@TheEDFLegacy Ай бұрын

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!

@mb1284 Жыл бұрын

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.

@user-ks6gd1vj5f Ай бұрын

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

@varanidguy 7 ай бұрын

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.

@soylencer Ай бұрын

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.

@jammer6524 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

I bet you do! Thanks for the comment!

@waynepowell567 11 ай бұрын

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 11 ай бұрын

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

@user-ke7et7zx4z 5 ай бұрын

Well done professor. Perfect presentation.

@billm.8220 Жыл бұрын

Very well explained. Precise & easy to understand.

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@jacklucas7265 Жыл бұрын

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

@Troy-McClure81 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@Troy-McClure81 Жыл бұрын

@@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 Жыл бұрын

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

@paulverstraete9157 Жыл бұрын

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

@paulverstraete9157 Жыл бұрын

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

@dermatologymiami Жыл бұрын

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

@peterburi2727 Жыл бұрын

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

@bodyshop8008 Жыл бұрын

Very Helpful! Well done on the explanation too.

@hubgold487 6 күн бұрын

nicely done video. clear concise and complete.

@mariovela6206 Жыл бұрын

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

@Mr.Beauregarde Жыл бұрын

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

@1bigslug Жыл бұрын

Thank for explaining these. Very well done!

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@lukeknowles5700 Жыл бұрын

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

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@robertmungenast4193 Жыл бұрын

nice video on explaining the difference between the afci and gfci

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@paulpugh2480 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for these explanations.

@suiethacks4740 Жыл бұрын

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

@bob456fk6 Жыл бұрын

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.

@thinkfirst6431 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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. 5 ай бұрын

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.

@lokiva8540 5 күн бұрын

The only time it makes sense to have a GFCI outdoors is when it's either in a shed a long distance from the supporting house or commercial building, OR when required by code in a temporary service for a construction site... and then consider it disposable, even when in a "weatherproof" enclosure. A practice I find useful is to have a GFCI inside on a box near a door with an outside weather cover receptacle opposite it. Sometimes that's useful if adding an outdoor receptacle, or when daisy chains to a single breaker or first receptacle after a breaker isn't practical, or as easy to reset.

@G.I.JeffsWorkbench 2 ай бұрын

Very clear explanation. Thank you.

@MrNunna Жыл бұрын

Good video! Excellent narration, Subscribed.

@calebschannel505 Ай бұрын

Very helpful explanation!

@wickedcode007 Жыл бұрын

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.

@riedjacobsen8620 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@winterburden Жыл бұрын

harbor freight

@jimboinsa Жыл бұрын

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

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Nice 👍

@larryslobster7881 Жыл бұрын

exactly what i needed

@allenft8396 Жыл бұрын

Love your videos!

@krazmokramer Жыл бұрын

Well done video! Thank you for this valuable information.

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Sure thing! Glad you enjoyed it!

@darrylm3627 Жыл бұрын

Good Content,GreatTips😀👍🏿

@nomerc3608 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the refresher!

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

You bet!

@shockproof2006 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for your comment!

@emmanaing2084 7 ай бұрын

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

@TopHomeowner 7 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

@marusholilac Жыл бұрын

I had to install some AFCIs in a new shop building to pass inspection. After the inspection I switched them to GFCIs so I could use tools like a drill or saw that created sparks internally and tripped the AFCI. A 120v drill is liable to be plugged in anywhere in your house, so I'm not a fan.

@DaveS987 Жыл бұрын

That’s a great idea until something happens and the fire inspector finds you changed them and then your home insurance is voided by your home insurance company.

@patrickmorris9710 Жыл бұрын

AFCI's don't like older vacuum cleaners

@DaveS987 Жыл бұрын

@@patrickmorris9710 so get a new vacuum, AFCI’s we’re invented because of electrical fires, not to be annoying.

@michaelbard420 Жыл бұрын

@@DaveS987sounds like an unintentional side affect is that they are annoying.

@akshonclip Жыл бұрын

@@DaveS987 New vacuum cleaners also trip them. So do fans, hair dryers, some wall warts, and half rectified led lighting.

@johnsamuels6021 10 ай бұрын

Excellent video !

@Liriq Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@harvey66616 Жыл бұрын

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.

@Digidoc316 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@Zzrdemon6633 15 күн бұрын

Don't get a permit, don¡t let any “official” in your house, I threw two union gas guys out of my house when one started inspecting when they were just in the house to make sure everything was good when they turned the gas back on after the main were worked on outside, i've never let them back in again

@stevebabiak6997 Жыл бұрын

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

@koryabel6319 Жыл бұрын

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!

@jimbronson687 Жыл бұрын

Great info thanks.

@D.N.R.911 Жыл бұрын

Oh man this was very helpful thanks for sharing

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@jasonhouse481 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Very nice comment. Cheers.

@donchristie420 Жыл бұрын

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

@joeycmore Жыл бұрын

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

@burntsider8457 Жыл бұрын

Good explanation.

@servicetechnician3264 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Good boy.

@jaysorensenIBEW Жыл бұрын

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

@steveksi Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

They're way more reliable, too.

@takeniteasyfriend Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@TriPham-sn9jj Жыл бұрын

thanks for this pre sen tation

@carlosrodriguez-ub4sv 10 ай бұрын

This is a great video

@russadams3008 Жыл бұрын

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.

@lokiva8540 5 күн бұрын

As an engineer, I found this video really good on one point many miss, and poor on others. I was waiting to hear it claim a GFCI senses current to ground, and impressed that it spelled out difference between hot and neutral, while avoiding that common error. That of course is what enables a GFCI to be useful with 2 wire appliances common in kitchens and baths. How it does that could be compared to an Amprobe type meter, and why it reads near zero if looped over a power cord, versus a single conductor. Anyone familiar with CMRR in microphone and similar cables, or differential amplifiers in instrumentation, plus with basic physics of current and magnetism, could of course picture a deeper level of detail. Also think UTP and STP in telecom and data networking cables. AFCI's may detect some of the described faults, but their Code legislative justification is most certainly NOT for the basic building safety violations this video suggests. The solution to that is blacklilst the incompetent jerks pretending to be those electricians. Bedroom locations for AFCI's assume they're locations where old dried out and tiny SPT wire to lamps or small appliances with failure modes from broken insulation at pinch and bend points starts fires, as well as use of undersize extension cords, or crap receptacles (eg, Chinese outlet strips rated 15 amps with heaters, that catch fire as they age just slightly). Those cables may arc when failing, without a ground fault, and with far less current than a normal breaker trip. By comparison, 14 or 12 AWG permanent wiring rarely has those same faults, and is more of an issue in a kitchen or laundry feed. As to how or what AFCI's detect, "noise patterns" is a fairly decent answer, but absent going into electrical engineering details, it's sort of hard to give an accurate as well as simple answer. FCC does not itself certify Part 15 low power unintentional radiator conformance, but contrary to a couple of mentions in this video, that has nothing to do with the fire hazards AFCI's are meant to prevent. (Junk knockoff products illegally imported via ScAmazon may have other unrelated quality of manufacture defects, which are in fact relevant to AFCI detect parameters. ScAmazon blacklists customers who post factually accurate reviews critical of spec and legal frauds of those types, by it or its vendors. Its coerced distribution from their warehouses and logistics services place them in the position of physical commerce in such items it then pretends are only third party crooks, as if eBay shippers in China; if only Customs, the FBI, FTC, and FCC, did a serious investigation, it'd require shutting down all ScAmazon warehouses for a few years of detailed review of many items.)

@TopHomeowner 2 күн бұрын

Thanks for your feedback! One quick point is that AFCI's are required pretty much everywhere in a home now, bedrooms were the initial requirement 25 years ago. Most likely to phase in the requirement over time. Doesn't make much sense to only have them in a specific area of a home otherwise since you can have damaged in-wall wiring, loose connections, or bad devices in any part of a home.

@bme7491 Жыл бұрын

I had nuisance tripping of a breaker supplying power to normal outlets. Turns out the breaker had worn out (weak). Replaced and life is good again.

@georgeclark7208 Жыл бұрын

As much as I hate this phrase, AFCI seems like a solution looking for a problem.

@theoriginalgondi 2 ай бұрын

As a house re-modeler i use just GFCIs, also haven't heard of AFCIs before this viewing. 😁

@denmar355 2 ай бұрын

I hope AFCI has gotten better in the past 5-6 years. They are widely known for the “nuisance tripping”. And for no apparent reason. My niece home has them and two of them kept tripping. After expensive service calls(2), they are replaced , and one of the breakers replaced twice. The replacements seemed to rectify the problems, finally. A lot of wasted money to correct the defective breakers.

@salamia704 Жыл бұрын

thank you, well done!

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@parveenmehay6753 Жыл бұрын

Thanks bro useful for me this vedio

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that

@ehhjeep 21 күн бұрын

In 2020 we got a new to us home. We had the service upgraded to AFCI breakers. Within six months a tree in the yard was hit by lightning. That caused every breaker to trip. We had zero damage because of this. I would never go back to standard breakers again. It saved everything electrical in the home and we only had to get the tree removed.

@danlux4954 3 күн бұрын

You should get a whole house surge protector

@wb5plj Жыл бұрын

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 3 ай бұрын

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

@linewerksllc1803 Жыл бұрын

Ima Architect in NV - excellent video!

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@FlayingBridenbakerdo Жыл бұрын

Thanks.

@cosmicinsane516 Жыл бұрын

I like the AFCIs because I can trip the breakers in my neighbors house via radio.

@johnwang9914 6 ай бұрын

It should be noted that the GFCI breaker predates the availability of GFCI receptacles by several years. My parents house has a GFCI breaker in the outdoor outlets and the powder room receptacles. The master and main bathroom has those transformer limited electric razor only outlets. Homes built just a few years later simply put a GFCI receptacle in the powder room and have the outdoor outlets in series with that GFCI receptacle.

@mlt6322 Жыл бұрын

That dual function breaker looks like it would be great in my house since it's 75yrs old and I occasionally see or hear a spark on some of my light switches at night, eventually I'll replace them all but money is tight right now and all my lights run through 1 breaker in the original 2 story section of the house, the 2 additions and garage all have newer wiring from the 70's.

@allangibson8494 Ай бұрын

Which means you will lose all the lights in the house if one circuit has a fault… Splitting the circuits would be a better first step…

@EastCoastWingNuts Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@EastCoastWingNuts Жыл бұрын

@@caseylascallette7269 ID actually on breaker , Thanks !

@waswestkan Жыл бұрын

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

@douglaskeaty6134 2 ай бұрын

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?

@diosdehuecomundo Жыл бұрын

You explained this better than 3 years of vocational school did for me

@brush_popper 11 ай бұрын

Thanks.❤

@TopHomeowner 11 ай бұрын

You're welcome 😊

@kathyryan7611 Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

You bet!

@l0I0I0I0 Жыл бұрын

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

@PaulJosephdeWerk Жыл бұрын

Now I fully understand why my vacuum cleaner occasionally trips the 2 AFCI breakers I have. Now I just plug the vacuum cleaner into a non-AFCI outlet. Luckily it has a long cord.

@mrsamba8151 6 ай бұрын

Thanks mate

@TopHomeowner 6 ай бұрын

Happy to help

@Leeproeun 11 ай бұрын

Thanks 🙏

@TopHomeowner 11 ай бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

@warrenpuckett4203 4 ай бұрын

Ground fault is not good when you are the conductor. So yes a hospital visit should also be scheduled. The interrupter that triggers on the slope of the current is there to protect the circuits plugged into it.

@subthousandoaks Жыл бұрын

Ty! 👍

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Sure thing!

@211212112 Ай бұрын

I had a GFCI outlet that would trip when I had a space heater on it and too much connected to the same circuit it was on but not on gfci's. The breaker would never flip just the GFCI outlet would flip. I suppose with the space heater pulling a good amount of power a long way and two other outlets pulling power a good distance must of eventually caused the load on the GFCI outlet to become unbalanced.

@soulergy1soulrgy1 6 ай бұрын

Talk about Nuisance, once i moved a junction box, up to connecting the last wire, it trip the breaker, after several more tries i call my neighbor, a retired commercial master electrician, he trouble shoot the problem to no avail 😢 next day i try again, this time i disconnected all the items in the house, bingo! The problem was a multiple power chip outlet! 😮

@MikeSiemens88 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@andrewshedron425 Жыл бұрын

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

@MikeSiemens88 Жыл бұрын

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

@MikeSiemens88 Жыл бұрын

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

@caseylascallette7269 Жыл бұрын

Are you using tandems?

@DCBChump Жыл бұрын

The problem is that AFCI's nuisance trip so often that most people don't trust when there really is a problem.

@jerryrobinson7856 4 ай бұрын

At the breaker box, I understand this in Romex Code, because rodents chew cables, people drill a hole to hang a TV, etc. can nick or cut the cable. However, In metallic Conduit required locations by Code I am not sure there is a benefit to breakers with the added protection. The protection at the receptacle is likely better for two reasons. #1: GFCI breakers have had the reputation of hyper sensitivity to tripping due to the long line and multiple line loads. #2: No one wants to shleap to the breaker box every time these trip. The average person will want to reset it at the receptacle. Half the time I plug in the blender or specific computer charger in the kitchen, it trips the GFCI. There is no leak between the ground and either hot or neutral and the computer charger is two prong polarized. I have found outside outlets where one of the GFCI is far more sensitive to false trips than another. Take whole home surge protection. I have been doing that since year 2000.

@Heimbasteln Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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 11 ай бұрын

@@matthewfournier6478 It is the voltage that causes arcing.

@tootall2630 Жыл бұрын

great video

@TopHomeowner Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@arthurlunais Жыл бұрын

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?

@NullStaticVoid Жыл бұрын

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 5 ай бұрын

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

@rossr6616 Ай бұрын

“GFI” was the original common term for them

@danlux4954 3 күн бұрын

@@rossr6616gfci is what all the manufacturers write on their products where I live.