What is the difference between AFCI and GFCI breakers and where do I need them in my home?

GFCI breakers protect you from electrocution by detecting current leaks to ground, while AFCI breakers protect your home from fire by detecting dangerous electrical arcs in the wiring. Both are required by the Canadian Electrical Code in specific locations, and newer homes in New Brunswick should have both types installed.

Think of it this way: GFCI protects people, AFCI protects property. A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) monitors the current flowing out on the hot wire and returning on the neutral wire. If even 5 milliamps goes somewhere it shouldn't — like through your body to ground — the GFCI trips in about 1/40th of a second. Without GFCI protection, that same current could cause electrocution. An AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) monitors the electrical waveform for signatures of dangerous arcing — the kind that happens when a wire is damaged, a nail pierces a cable, or a connection deteriorates inside a wall. These arcs generate intense heat that can ignite wood framing and insulation.

Where GFCI protection is required in New Brunswick (CEC rules):

• All bathroom outlets (every outlet, not just near the sink)
• Kitchen countertop outlets (within 1.5m of the sink)
• All outdoor outlets
• Garage outlets
• Unfinished basement outlets
• Laundry room outlets near sinks
• Hot tub and pool equipment circuits
• Any outlet within 1.5 metres of a water source

Where AFCI protection is required (current CEC as adopted in NB):

• All bedroom circuits (outlets and lighting)
• Living rooms and family rooms
• Dining rooms
• Hallways
• Closets
• Sunrooms

Essentially, AFCI is required in all dwelling areas where people sleep or spend extended time, while GFCI is required everywhere water is present.

The cost difference. A standard breaker costs $8 to $15. A GFCI breaker costs $40 to $80. An AFCI breaker costs $40 to $60. A dual-function AFCI/GFCI breaker costs $50 to $90. For new construction or a major renovation in New Brunswick, your electrician will spec the appropriate breakers for each circuit — this is not optional, it's code.

Common issues in older New Brunswick homes. Many homes built before 2002 have no AFCI protection at all, and homes built before the 1980s may lack GFCI in locations where it's now required. When you renovate a room, TSANB requires the electrical work to meet current code — so a bathroom renovation means upgrading to GFCI, and a bedroom renovation means adding AFCI protection. This is one reason electrical costs on renovations can be higher than homeowners expect.

Nuisance tripping. AFCI breakers are sometimes prone to tripping from certain appliances — vacuums with brush motors, treadmills, and some older power tools can create waveforms that mimic arc faults. If your AFCI breaker trips repeatedly, don't just replace it with a standard breaker (that's a code violation). Instead, have your electrician investigate — it might be a legitimate wiring issue, or you may need a newer-generation AFCI breaker that better distinguishes real arcs from motor noise.

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