ATLANTA ELECTRICIANS

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GFCI - Ground fault circuit interrupters

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), designed to prevent people from receiving electrical shocks, can be installed at an individual outlet or in the service panel.  When properly installed in a circuit, a GFCI continuously monitors the current flowing in both lines in the circuit.  If the GFCI detects a short circuit developing, it quickly interrupts the circuit before anyone is seriously injured.  The National Electric Code requires GFCI protection on all new outlets located outside of the house, in bathrooms, in garages, in basements, and within six feet of the kitchen sink.  GFCI protection is provided either by special GFCI outlets or by special GFCI circuit breakers.  Depending on how a GFCI outlet is wired, it may protect either that outlet only or all of the outlets downstream from it.  GFCI circuit breakers protect the entire circuit.  Identifying a GFCI outlet is simple.  GFCI outlets have two buttons on the face, one labeled "test" and one labeled "reset"  Both GFCI outlets and GFCI circuit breakers should be tested often to ensure proper function.

AFCI - Arc fault circuit interrupter

An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is a new type of breaker designed to detect and stop arcs.  Arcing wires are responsible for numerous fires each year because they generate hot sparks.  These fires are especially common in bedrooms where dressers and beds are pushed up against plugs inserted into wall outlets.  Over time, the plug and/or the insulating casing surrounding the wire may crack or fray, thus exposing bare wires and creating an arc.  Additionally, by chewing on electrical cords, family pets sometimes expose bare wires.  Since 2002, AFCIs are required on all new construction.

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