Most homeowners are familiar with GFCI outlets and their role in preventing electrical shock. But there’s another crucial safety device that’s just as important—especially when it comes to preventing electrical fires. It’s called an AFCI, or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. While GFCIs protect people, AFCIs are designed to protect your home from the devastating impact of arc-related electrical fires.
If you’re renovating, upgrading outlets, or working on a new build in Minnesota, here’s what you need to know about how AFCIs work, how they differ from GFCIs, and why they’re becoming a standard part of electrical safety in residential homes.
Let’s start with a quick recap of GFCI outlets. These are designed to protect against electrical shock and are required by code in rooms where water is present—like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas. GFCIs monitor the flow of electricity and cut power instantly if they detect that electricity is escaping the circuit, such as when it flows through water or a human body. You’ll recognize a GFCI by its familiar “Test” and “Reset” buttons on the outlet face.
In contrast, AFCI outlets are built to detect arc faults—dangerous surges of electricity that occur when wiring is damaged, loose, or degraded. These arcs can cause intense heat that ignites fires inside walls. While not always visible or detectable by sight or sound, arc faults are one of the leading causes of electrical fires in homes.
AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. These outlets or breakers continuously monitor electrical flow and shut off power when they detect a dangerous arc, whether it’s from frayed wiring, a loose connection, or damaged insulation.
There are two types of arc faults that AFCIs are designed to detect:
Modern AFCI outlets are capable of detecting both types, offering comprehensive protection across circuits.
Under the National Electrical Code (NEC), AFCI protection has been required since 1999 and is now mandated in nearly all primary living areas of a home, including:
While AFCIs were originally available only as circuit breakers, newer outlet-level AFCI receptacles make it easier and more affordable to comply with code—especially in renovations and replacements. These devices are now widely available and can be installed by licensed electricians without requiring a panel upgrade.
As AFCI requirements have expanded, Minnesota electrical codes now call for these devices in most residential branch circuits. Starting January 1, 2014, the NEC requires that if a receptacle on an AFCI-required branch circuit is being replaced, the new receptacle must be:
These updated guidelines help protect entire branch circuits, not just the outlet itself, from both series and parallel arc faults.
To comply with code and ensure proper protection, AFCI receptacles must be installed as the first outlet on the branch circuit. Additionally:
When installed correctly, these outlets offer feed-through protection for all connected downstream outlets on the circuit.
While AFCIs may not be as well known as GFCIs, their impact is just as significant—especially in preventing electrical fires that start behind walls. The latest AFCI technology protects against unseen hazards and offers an extra layer of defense that every modern home should have.
Whether you’re updating your home, replacing aging outlets, or planning a new build, now is the time to make sure you’re up to code and fully protected.
Contact Affordable Electric today to schedule AFCI installation or a full home safety inspection. We proudly serve homeowners across the Twin Cities and can help you upgrade your home with code-compliant, fire-preventing technology that protects what matters most.
