Understanding AFCI Outlet And GFCI Outlets For Home Safety

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets and AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet are essential safety features that stand out when safeguarding your house against electrical risks. Having industry-leading safety against electrical fires and shocks is crucial, whether you’re building a new home or remodelling an existing one. The outstanding protection against electrical hazards offered by Leviton’s safety solutions, like AFCI Duplex Receptacles, AFCI Circuit Breakers, and Smart AFCI Circuit Breakers, guarantee the safety of your house.

The differences between AFCI and GFCI outlets, their functions, and the importance of these components in your home’s electrical system will all be covered in this article.

Arc-Faults Description?

When an electrical current inadvertently leaps between two points in a circuit, it causes a fault, which results in a significant accumulation of heat at the arc’s location. Temperatures may rise to nearly 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, igniting adjacent materials like insulation or wood framing. If this kind of issue is not identified and fixed quickly, it may result in hazardous electrical fires.

Arc flaws come in two primary varieties:

1. Parallel Arcs: These happen when two conductors (wires) in the circuit experience a sudden surge in electrical current.

2. Series Arcs: These happen when an electrical current unexpectedly jumps from one conductor to another, like through a loose connection.

Why do arc faults happen?

Arc problems are often hidden behind walls or inside cords, making them hard to find. Here are a few common reasons:

1. Inside walls: nails, screws, or staples that get stuck in electrical lines by accident.

2. Within Cords: Pushing or resting furniture on electrical cords can damage them.

3. Loose Connections: Electrical connections that aren’t tight enough or cords that get hurt when doors or other things close on them.

4. Heat damage: This can be caused by old or broken wires or cords worn down over time by heat, sunlight, or moisture.

Because of these hidden dangers, AFCI plugs and circuit breakers are necessary to keep your home safe from electrical fires.

What’s the Difference Between GFCI and AFCI Outlet?

Although both AFCI and GFCI outlets contribute to home security, their functions are distinct:

1. AFCI Outlets: Guard against electrical fires caused by arc-faults. To prevent a fire from starting, they identify potentially hazardous arcing conditions in outlets, cords, or electrical wires and cut off electricity.

2. GFCI Outlets: Guard against electrical shocks caused by ground faults. When electricity flows in an unexpected direction, as through a person, it is called a ground fault and can cause electrocution. To avoid shocks, GFCIs identify electrical current imbalances and cut the power.

Where should AFCI Outlet protection be installed?

Circuit breakers and AFCI outlets should be placed in locations with a high risk of electrical fires. The following are among them:

• Hallways
• Living Rooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Rec Rooms
• Family Rooms

Advanced arc-fault detection is provided by Leviton’s SmartlockPro AFCI systems, which protect these crucial regions to stop electrical fires from starting.

Superior Fire Protection with Leviton AFCI Products

A variety of AFCI solutions are available from Leviton to improve your home’s fire safety:

1. AFCI Duplex Outlets: These outlets are frequently used in living rooms and bedrooms and offer protection against electrical arc failures.

For circuits requiring AFCI protection but not an outlet, blank-face AFCI outlets are perfect.

2. Combination AFCI Receptacles with Switches: These devices combine convenience and safety by providing both AFCI protection and a switch to control lights.

3. AFCI Circuit Breakers: These circuit breakers, mounted in your electrical panel, offer arc-fault protection for the electrical system throughout your house.

Discover Our Intelligent AFCI Items

Additionally, Leviton sells Smart AFCI Circuit Breakers, which offer extra security features:

LB115-AS – 15A Smart AFCI Branch Circuit Breaker: This breaker provides Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity for remote circuit resets, alarms, and monitoring.

Another smart breaker with cutting-edge features like remote firmware updates, tripping capabilities, and real-time monitoring is the LB120-AS – 15A Smart AFCI Branch Circuit Breaker.

With the ability to remotely monitor the electrical system and get notifications during an arc fault, these Smart AFCI Circuit Breakers provide homeowners with peace of mind.

GFCI Outlet: What Is It?

The purpose of a GFCI outlet is to guard against ground faults, which happen when electricity travels along an unauthorized path. For instance, the GFCI will identify the imbalance and promptly cut off the power if someone comes into touch with an electrical current, preventing electrocution.

Mainly, GFCI outlets are crucial in places like: 

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry
• Utility rooms
• Garages
• Crawlspaces 
• Basements
• Wet bars
• Spa and pool areas

Why Select Products from Leviton AFCI?

With the newest technology, Leviton’s AFCI solutions offer exceptional protection against electrical fires. Leviton’s circuit breakers and SmartlockPro AFCI outlets are made to identify arc faults and act fast to stop fires before they start. They are simple to install and can be used as replacement devices in existing homes and new construction.

Leviton also offers AFCI/GFCI Dual Function Circuit Breakers, which integrate the protection of both arc-fault and ground fault detection in a single device for households needing shock and fire protection.

Which is Better for Me: GFCI or AFCI Outlets?

GFCI outlets and AFCI outlets are both significant, but which one should you pick? Here is an essential guide:

In parts of your house where arc faults are more prone to cause electrical fires, install AFCI outlets. These work well in hallways, living rooms, bedrooms, and other spaces where electrical wiring is concealed behind walls.

In places where electrical shocks are a risk, such as restrooms, kitchens, garages, and any place close to water sources, install GFCI outlets.

For complete safety in some situations, you might want both kinds of outlets.

Conclusion: Improved Home Fire Protection

Leviton AFCI and GFCI outlets provide unparalleled electrical safety protection against arc and ground faults. You can significantly lower the risk of electrical fires by installing AFCI outlets, circuit breakers, and GFCI outlets to protect your house against shocks in high-risk regions.

The newest innovative technology is available in Leviton’s Smart AFCI Circuit Breakers and AFCI/GFCI Dual Function Circuit Breakers, which provide real-time monitoring and alarms for even more peace of mind. Both fire and shock protection are guaranteed with Leviton’s AFCI and GFCI solutions, whether building a new house or updating your existing electrical system.

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