GFCI: Shock Protection • AFCI: Fire Prevention • NJ Code Requirements
Electrocution deaths/year (pre-GFCI)
Home electrical fires/year (US)
GFCI first required (pool equipment)
AFCI first required (bedrooms)
Protects PEOPLE from SHOCK
Detects ground faults—when electricity strays outside intended path (through water or a person). Trips in as little as 1/40th of a second, preventing fatal electrocution.
Protects PROPERTY from FIRE
Detects arc faults—dangerous sparking caused by damaged wires, loose connections, or pinched cords. Interrupts circuit before arcing ignites framing or insulation.
Required in wet/damp areas (NEC 210.8)
New Jersey: Adopts NEC 2023. GFCI now required on 240V receptacles (EV chargers, air conditioners) in wet locations.
Required in living areas (NEC 210.12)
New Jersey: All 15A and 20A, 120V branch circuits supplying outlets in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms.
Dual-function breakers & receptacles
Provide both arc fault and ground fault protection in one device. Increasingly common for kitchens, laundry areas—where both hazards exist.
NEC 2023: Kitchen and laundry circuits now require both AFCI and GFCI protection. Dual-function devices simplify compliance.
New Jersey adopts the National Electrical Code (NEC) with a typical 1-3 year delay. Current adoption: NEC 2020, moving toward NEC 2023.
Key NJ Amendments:
No AFCI protection in bedrooms. Strongly recommended upgrade during renovations. Insurance carriers increasingly inquire about AFCI protection.
May have AFCI only in bedrooms. Kitchens and laundry likely GFCI-only. Dual-function not yet required.
Full AFCI protection on all 15/20A living area circuits. GFCI in wet locations. Dual-function increasingly standard.
Can't tell? Test it. Push the TEST button. GFCI receptacle should click and cut power. AFCI breaker should trip. If neither happens, device may be mislabeled, damaged, or wired incorrectly—call an electrician.
A GFCI will not trip on a smoldering cord behind your sofa. It only senses current leaking to ground—not dangerous sparking.
An AFCI will not protect you from dropping a hair dryer in a sink. It detects series/parallel arcs, not ground faults.
GFCIs have reduced electrocutions by 70% since 1970. AFCIs prevent an estimated 50,000+ fires annually. They are complementary, not interchangeable.
New Jersey homeowners can request an electrical safety inspection. Licensed electricians can identify missing GFCI/AFCI protection, recommend upgrades, and ensure your family is protected.