Two modern devices quietly watch over your home: the GFCI against electric shock, the AFCI against arc fires. Here’s what they do, where they’re required, and why they change everything.
GFCI and AFCI, in plain terms
GFCI — against shock
The GFCI monitors a potential difference between ground, neutral and the line. If someone risks a shock or current is leaking, it cuts power instantly. It protects people.
AFCI — against fire
The AFCI detects electrical arcs that can occur in damaged wiring or a loose connection — a frequent cause of fire. It protects the building.
Where are they required?
GFCI outlets are required for any outlet located within 1.5 m of a water point (sink, bathtub, shower). You’ll typically find them:
- Bathroom
- Kitchen counter, near the sink
- Outdoors
- Garage and unfinished basement
AFCI breakers, for their part, have been required since the 2018 edition of the Electrical Code for certain circuits — but not for every type of outlet. Which is exactly why you should work with a master electrician: the right protection in the right place.
A GFCI that “trips for nothing”?
Most of the time, the GFCI isn’t the culprit: it’s either the outlet itself that’s defective, or the appliance plugged into it.
Can they be added after the fact?
Yes. Adding GFCIs where they’re missing, near water points, is recommended and works very well — a simple, affordable safety upgrade.
What about the TEST button?
Good news: recent outlets are self-testing — they check themselves continuously, so no need to press the button regularly. On older models, an occasional test (TEST, then RESET) remains a good habit.
Protection, installed by the book
CMEQ-certified company holding an RBQ licence, serving Greater Montréal, Laval, the North Shore, the Laurentians and Lanaudière. The right protection in the right place, per the Code.
Are your protections up to date?
We check your outlets and breakers, and add what’s missing where it counts. Free quote.
What people ask us
What’s the difference between GFCI and AFCI?+
The GFCI protects people from electric shock (it detects a current leak). The AFCI protects the building from fire (it detects electrical arcs). Two different dangers, two different devices.
Where are GFCI outlets required?+
For any outlet within 1.5 m of a water point: bathroom, kitchen counter near the sink, outdoors, garage and unfinished basement.
My GFCI trips for no reason — why?+
Often, the outlet is defective or the plugged-in appliance is at fault. Try another appliance in the outlet: if the problem disappears, it was the appliance.
Can GFCIs be added in an older home?+
Yes, especially near water points where they’re missing — it’s recommended and works very well. For a wholesale addition of AFCIs on old circuits, we evaluate case by case.
Should I test the button regularly?+
Recent outlets are self-testing, so it’s no longer necessary. On older models, an occasional test (TEST then RESET) remains a good habit.
