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GFCI and AFCI Circuit Breakers
GFCI and AFCI Outlet vs Circuit Breaker
GFCI and AFCI outlets are usually cheaper than GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers. If there are many of these types of outlets on a circuit, a circuit breaker can be used.
Never use a GFCI/AFCI breaker and outlet on a circuit, just pick one.
Never have a GFCI/AFCI outlet on the load of another GFCI/AFCI outlet. A standard outlet is used on all loads.
GFCI and AFCI Breaker Wiring
A GFCI and AFCI breaker comes with a white neutral wire attached to it (breaker’s neutral wire). This wire is connected to the neutral bar in the electrical panel. The circuit neutral wire is connected to the GFCI or AFCI breaker terminal. Ground is not shown in these diagrams.
Dual-function Circuit Breakers
A dual function circuit breaker is a combined GFCI and AFCI breaker that provides both types for its load outlets.
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and arc fault interrupter (AFCI) breakers work the same as standard breakers to protect a circuit from overloads and short circuits. The GFCI breaker will also trip when current flows to ground instead of back to neutral. The AFCI breaker will also trip when it detects an arc fault. To test either breaker, press the white button and it should trip. If it does not trip, it needs to be replaced.
Can I Install a GFCI or AFCI without a Ground Wire?
Yes, they will work properly if there is no ground. A plug tester with a GFCI test button will not trip a GFCI because the tester leaks a small amount of current from line to ground. The GFCI and AFCI test button is used for testing.
GFCI Adapters
A GFCI adapter can be used on a standard outlet. Plug the adapter into an outlet and anything you plug into the adapter will have GFCI protection.
Testing and Resetting a GFCI or AFCI Circuit Breaker
GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers are an option for providing GFCI and AFCI protection to the entire circuit. To test the breaker, press the test button and the breaker should trip. To reset, push the handle away from the center of the panel, then push the handle toward the center of the panel.
If the breaker does not trip when the test button is pressed, e
ither the breaker is bad or there is no power to the breaker.