Note: This article is based on the 2026 NEC^®.

Do you know the difference between GFCI and AFCI devices and where you must install each one?

In accordance with Article 100 a "Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)" is a device intended to protect people by de-energizing a circuit when ground-fault current is 6 mA or higher, and it does not open when the ground-fault current is less than 4 mA. It monitors current flow in the circuit conductors supplying the load and opens the circuit if there's an imbalance.

In accordance with Article 100 a "Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)" is a device intended to de-energize the circuit when it detects the current waveform characteristics unique to an arcing fault. It monitors the circuit and if it detects a parallel or arcing fault, the AFCI opens the circuit.

The difference is simple: a GFCI primarily protects people from electric shock, while an AFCI helps protect people and property from fires caused by arcing faults.

GFCI General Requirements
GFCI protection as required in 210.8(A) through (F) must comply with the following: Figure 01

The GFCI device must be in a readily accessible location [210.8]. This is important for monthly testing as recommended by the manufacturer's instructions.

Note: Readily accessible is defined as capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspection without those requiring ready access to take actions, such as the use of tools (other than keys), climbing over or under obstructions, removing obstacles, or requiring the use of portable ladders [Article 100].

GFCI protection can be provided by a GFCI circuit breaker or a GFCI receptacle.

GFCI Protection of Receptacles in Dwelling Units
Receptacles rated 125V or 250V in the dwelling unit locations specified in 210.8(A)(1) through (A)(14) must be GFCI protected.

Those locations are:

• Bathrooms [210.8(A)(1)] or garages [210.8(A)(2)].
• Areas of accessory buildings limited to storage, work, and similar uses [210.8(A)(3)].
• Outdoors [210.8(A)(4)].
• Crawl spaces at or below grade [210.8(A)(5)] or in basements [210.8(A)(6)].
• Kitchens [210.8(A)(7)].
• Areas with sinks and permanent provisions for food preparation, beverage preparation, or cooking [210.8(A)(8)].
• Within 6 ft* of the top inside edge of the bowl of a sink [210.8(A)(9)].
• Boathouses [210.8(A)(10)].
• Within 6 ft* of the outside edge of a bathtub or shower stall [210.8(A)(11)].
• Laundry area [210.8(A)(12)].
• Indoor damp locations [210.8(A)(13)].
• Indoor wet locations [210.8(A)(14)].
  *Measured as the shortest path the power-supply cord connected to the receptacle will follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier [210.8].
  

GFCI Protection of Receptacles in Other Occupancies
GFCI protection is required for 125V through 250V receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits 50A or less or three-phase branch circuits 100A or less rated 150V or less (to ground) in other than dwelling locations listed in 210.8(B)(1) through (16). These locations are:

• Bathrooms [210.8(B)(1)].
• Kitchens [210.8(B)(2)].
• Areas that contain sinks with permanent provisions for food preparation, beverage preparation, or cooking [210.8(B)(3)].
• Areas that have permanent provisions for food serving, beverage serving, or cooking [210.8(B)(4)].
• Rooftops [210.8(B)(5)].
• Outdoors [210.8(B)(6)].
• Receptacles and cord-and-plug-connected fixed or stationary appliances within 6 ft from the top inside edge of the bowl of a sink [210.8(B)(7)].
• Indoor damp locations [210.8(B)(8)].
• Indoor wet locations [210.8(B)(9)].
• Locker rooms with showers [210.8(B)(10)].
• Garages and similar areas [210.8(B)(11)].
• Crawl spaces [210.8(B)(12)].
• Unfinished areas of basements [210.8(B)(13)].
• Within 6 ft* from the top inside edge, rim, or conductive support framing of an open aquatic vessel or container, bait wells, and similar tanks or bowls for aquariums [210.8(B)(14)]
• Laundry Areas [210.8(B)(15)].
• Within 6 ft* of the outside edge of a bathtub or shower stall [210.8(B)(16)].
  *Measured as the shortest path the power-supply cord connected to the receptacle will follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier [210.8].
  

GFCI Protection for Appliances
GFCI protection is required for hardwired or cord-and-plug connected appliances rated 150V or less to ground (120V, 208V, 240V, 120/240V, 208Y/120V), 60A or less [210.8(D)].

• Automotive vacuum machines [210.8(D)(1)].
• Drinking water coolers and bottle fill stations [210.8(D)(2)].
• High-pressure spray washing machines [210.8(D)(3)].
• Tire inflation machines [210.8(D)(4)].
• Vending machines [210.8(D)(5)].
• Sump pumps [210.8(D)(6)].
• Dishwashers [210.8(D)(7)].
• Electric ranges [210.8(D)(8)].
• Wall-mounted electric ovens [210.8(D)(9)].
• Counter-mounted electric cooking units [210.8(D)(10)].
• Clothes dryers [210.8(D)(11)].
• Microwave ovens [210.8(D)(12)].
  

Electric shock hazards exist whether appliances are hardwired or cord-and-plug connected.

GFCI Protection for Receptacles for Equipment Requiring Servicing
GFCI protection is required for 15A or 20A, 125V receptacles within 25 ft of the air-conditioning equipment as required in 210.63(A) and in the same room, as the indoor switchboards, panelboards, and service equipment as required by 210.63(B) [210.8(E)].

GFCI Protection for Dwelling Outdoor Equipment
GFCI protection is required for all outlets for electrical equipment, such as HVAC, pumps, etc., rated 60A or less, outside a dwelling unit, outside dwelling garages, outside dwelling accessory buildings, and outside dwelling boathouses [210.8(F)]. Figure 02

Note: Class A GFCIs marked "HF" are evaluated for use with loads having high-frequency leakage currents from power conversion components such as variable-speed drives and inverters. See UL 943, Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters, for further information [210.8 Note 2].

Equipment Replacement. If equipment connected to any dwelling outdoor outlets is replaced, the circuit to the outlet must be GFCI-protected.

AFCI Requirements
AFCI protection as required in 210.12(B) through (E) must be in a readily accessible location and comply with the following:

AFCI Protection for Dwelling Units
AFCI protection is required for 15A or 20A, 120V branch circuits in the following dwelling unit locations [210.12(B)]:
(1) Kitchens
(2) Family rooms
(3) Dining rooms
(4) Living rooms
(5) Parlors
(6) Libraries
(7) Dens
(8) Bedrooms
(9) Sunrooms
(10) Recreation rooms
(11) Closets
(12) Hallways
(13) Laundry areas
(14) Similar areas Figure 03

AFCI Protection for Dormitories
AFCI protection is required for 15A or 20A, 120V branch circuits in these dormitory unit locations [210.12(C)].:
(1) Bedrooms
(2) Living rooms
(3) Hallways
(4) Closets
(5) Bathrooms
(6) Similar rooms.

AFCI Protection for Other Occupancies
AFCI protection is required for 15A or 20A, 120V branch circuits in these locations [210.12(D)]:
(1) Guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels
(2) Nursing homes and limited care facilities areas used exclusively as patient sleeping rooms.
(3) Areas designed for use exclusively as sleeping quarters in fire stations, police stations, ambulance stations, ranger stations, and similar locations.

AFCI Protection for Wiring Extensions or Replacements
If the wiring is extended or replaced in areas where AFCI protection is required, the branch circuits must be provided with AFCI protection as follows [210.12(E)]:
(1) AFCI circuit breaker
(2) AFCI receptacle or AFCI-protected switch at the first outlet of the existing branch circuit

AFCI protection is not required for extension wiring less than 6 ft long—if no outlets are added. This measurement does not include the conductors inside an enclosure, cabinet, or junction box [210.12(E) Ex].

GFCI and AFCI Rules Summary
Many dwelling-unit locations have overlapping GFCI and AFCI requirements. In these areas, a dual-function GFCI/AFCI circuit breaker can be a practical solution. Remember, GFCI and AFCI devices must be readily accessible. Don't install them where they can't be reached without removing obstacles or using a portable ladder.

Missing a GFCI or AFCI requirement can result in a failed inspection and costly rework. Learn the rules, apply them correctly, and become the go-to person others trust.