5 things you need to know about
AF/GF PROTECTION
What’s the big deal?
More than 30,000 non-fatal
shock accidents are
reported each year—and
many are avoidable.
Arcing faults are responsible for more than
28,000 home fires and over $700 million in
property damage in the US each year.
1
As arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
technology continues to improve and codes change, what do you need to know
about these important safety devices?
What’s the difference?
2
Sounds like I need both,
right?
In general, GFCIs are required in
wet areas—like bathrooms,
kitchens, basements, crawl
spaces—though there are some
exceptions. The 2014 National
Electrical Code also
requires AFCI
protection in
kitchen and
laundry areas.
3
What if I need both?
The National Electrical Code does not specifically require arc fault/ground fault (AF/GF) products, but
in the case where overlap is needed—primarily kitchens—dual function AF/GF devices are available.
4
Do I need breaker- or receptacle-level
protection?
Receptacles are typically the best solution for
renovations where it would be difficult or costly
to replace the entire electrical panel, for
installations where conduit or metal clad cable is
already installed, or when local rest of the device is
preferred.
Breakers are best applied to single family new
construction with long wire runs, where the
electrical equipment will be consolidated
to one location.
5
GFCIs help protect
people from
electrical shock.
AFCIs help protect
property from
electrical fires.
Eaton is the only manufacturer that offers a full line of arc fault and
ground fault breakers and receptacles. For more information, visit
www.Eaton.com/AlwaysOn.
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