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AFCI and GFCI Electrical Circuit Breakers

Is a AFCI and GFCI circuit breaker made as the same circuit breaker? Electric Wiring when using AFCI and GFCI Circuit Breakers, and AFCI and GFCI in the same breaker.


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Combination AFCI and GFCI Circuit Breaker
Electrical Question: Is a AFCI and GFCI circuit breaker madeĀ as the same circuit breaker?

Thanks!

This home electrical question came from: Jeffrey, a Homeowner from Flower Mound, Texas.
Additional Comments: Very worthwhile compilation of experience and know how.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jeffrey.

AFCI and GFCI Circuit Breakers

Application: Installing or Replacing a Circuit Breaker.
Skill Level: Advanced. This electrical work is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor. Not Recommended for Homeowners.
Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools, voltage tester and protective safety gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the make and model of the panel and the condition of the existing electrical circuit breakers and wiring methods.
Precaution: For safety the main circuit breaker should be turned off or any other disconnect means that would deenergize the panel before replacing a circuit breaker, however turning off the main circuit breaker may not deenergize all of the areas of the panel components and wiring. This is an extensive project that requires experience and should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Notice: Making changes to electrical panel or electric circuits should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

AFCI and GFCI – Now You Have Options for Electrical Wiring

AFCI – Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter

GFCI – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

More about GFCI and AFCI Circuit Breakers

AFCI Circuit
afci-breaker
GFCI and AFCI Circuit Breakers

Electrical circuits
home-electrical-circuits

Circuit breaker
2-pole-circuit-breaker


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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

6 Responses to “AFCI and GFCI Electrical Circuit Breakers”
  1. BILL HELLMUELLER says:

    When installing AFCI breakers, do you have to use MC Cable or conduit to the first box, or just pull Romex as normal and land it on the AFCI breaker?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Bill,
    The method of wiring for the AFCI circuit will depend on what is allowed in your location and what type of construction methods are used for the home. The objective is to protect the circuit wiring, and that is based upon how the wiring will be installed and what the local codes require. If the home has stud frame construction and type NM cable is allowed in that area then that will be the acceptable method. However if there is MC cable installed then MC cable will be required. Your local building department will be able to tell you the acceptable method for wiring the AFCI circuit.
    Dave

  3. Victor V says:

    I see many different letters before and after the AFCI/GFCI combination breakers. Which one do I need for a home residence. I want to use it for the dishwasher. Thank you.

  4. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Victor,
    A GFCI breaker with the circuit wiring amperage rating will be fine for the dishwasher. It is important to match the circuit breaker amperage rating with the wire gauge amperage rating. For example a #14 AWG copper wire with THWN insulation is rated at 15 amps, and a #12 AWG copper wire with THWN insulation is rated at 20 amps.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave

  5. Victor V says:

    Thanks Dave, I should of been more specific, here are the letters: Type QAF2 and also HACR SWD. The other explanation was very informative and helpful too.

  6. Dave Rongey says:

    Thank you Victor, I appreciate the information.
    Be safe,
    Dave