"The Silent Guardians: Why GFCIs and AFCIs Are Your Home's Unsung Heroes"

an article by InterNACHI

Most homeowners have no idea that two small devices are quietly standing guard against electrical disasters that could injure their family or burn down their house. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) work around the clock to protect you from electrical hazards, but only if they're working properly—and many are not.

GFCIs save lives by detecting when electrical current is going where it shouldn't, like through your body if you accidentally touch a live wire or drop an appliance in water. In a fraction of a second, they cut off the power to prevent electrical shock that could be fatal. You'll find GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, and outdoor areas—anywhere water and electricity might meet.

AFCIs protect against a different but equally dangerous threat: arc faults. These occur when electrical wiring develops loose connections, gets damaged, or starts deteriorating. Arcing creates intense heat that can ignite nearby materials, starting fires inside your walls where you can't see them developing. AFCIs monitor electrical circuits for the telltale patterns of dangerous arcing and shut off the power before fires can start.

Here's the problem: both devices require regular testing to ensure they're working properly, but most homeowners never test them. That little "test" button on GFCI outlets and circuit breakers should be pressed monthly. If the outlet doesn't shut off when you press "test," it's not protecting you anymore. AFCIs, typically located in your electrical panel, also need monthly testing using their test buttons.

Age matters too. GFCIs and AFCIs don't last forever. Over time, their internal components can wear out, leaving you with a false sense of security. Devices more than 10-15 years old should be evaluated for replacement, even if they seem to be working.

Many homes, especially older ones, don't have adequate GFCI and AFCI protection. Building codes have evolved to require these safety devices in more locations as we've learned more about electrical hazards.

Before electrical safety devices fail to protect your family, have them evaluated by a certified home inspector who can test their function and identify areas where additional protection is needed.

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI®) trains inspectors to properly test and evaluate electrical safety devices.

For a quick electrical safety check on your home, contact your local InterNACHI® certified home inspector.

Your family's electrical safety depends on devices you probably never think about—make sure they're working when you need them most.