Two of the most important safety devices in modern home electrical systems are GFCI outlets and AFCI breakers. If your home is older than 15-20 years, there is a good chance you are missing one or both. Here is what they do and why they matter.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
A GFCI monitors the balance of current flowing through a circuit. If it detects current leaking to ground — which happens when electricity flows through water, a person, or a damaged appliance — it shuts the circuit off in milliseconds. GFCIs prevent electrocution.
In Ontario, GFCI protection is required for outlets in kitchens (within 1.5 metres of a sink), all bathroom outlets, garage outlets, outdoor outlets, unfinished basement outlets, and outlets near pools, hot tubs, and laundry sinks.
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AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter)
An AFCI breaker detects electrical arcing — sparking caused by damaged wiring, loose connections, or pinched cables. Arcing is a leading cause of electrical fires, and AFCI breakers shut the circuit off when arcing is detected.
Current Ontario code requires AFCI protection on bedroom circuits and is expanding to cover more areas of the home in recent code updates.
Does Your Home Need Upgrading?
If your home was built before 2010, it likely does not have AFCI protection and may be missing GFCI outlets in required locations. While you are not required to retroactively upgrade an existing home to the latest code, adding these protections is one of the most cost-effective safety improvements you can make.
KV Bear Electrical (ECRA/ESA 7014730) can assess your home's current GFCI and AFCI protection and install what is needed. It is straightforward work that makes a meaningful difference in home safety.
Licensed electrician (ECRA/ESA 7014730) serving 18+ Ontario communities including Cobourg, Oshawa, Whitby, Peterborough, and Toronto. Have a question? Call 905-999-5048 for a free quote.