What is the difference in ground fault vs arc fault protection? And should I be concerned with integrating this technology into my house or office?

The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protects people from potentially lethal electric shock when the GFCI detects even minute, but potentially dangerous ground faults or “leaks” of electrical current from a circuit. A GFCI opens the circuit when the leakage to ground exceeds 6mA. And a GFCI is a good detector of phase-to-ground arcing faults, but is unable to detect series or line to neutral arcing faults. An AFCI is designed to detect series faults, line to neutral faults and line to ground faults. The AFCI does not replace the GFCI but instead complements it. Some manufacturers will combine the two in the same unit. The technology in the AFCI is quite different and is substantially more sophisticated than the GFCI.

To sum it all up, the GFCI is meant to protect from shock hazard where the AFCI is meant to protect from electrical fires. It would not only be wise to add this protection to your home for you and your family but is also required by the National Electrical Code. Please feel free to call us and schedule an appointment to have a licensed electrician come to your home and consult you on your specific needs.