GFCI, AFCI and What Keeps Tripping

Ground fault protection

A ground fault device compares the current going out against the current coming back. When those numbers differ by a tiny amount, it means current is leaking somewhere, possibly through a person, and the device cuts power in a fraction of a second.

That is why it lives near water. Kitchen counters, bathrooms, laundry, garages, basements and every outdoor outlet. One device at the start of a circuit protects everything after it, which is why an outlet in the yard can be dead because of a tripped button in the garage.

Arc fault protection

An arc fault breaker listens to the electrical noise on a circuit and looks for the pattern of arcing, which is what a loose connection or a damaged cord does right before it starts a fire.

It goes on bedroom, living room, hallway and most other living space circuits in new and remodeled homes. It is newer, it is smarter, and it is also the one most likely to trip for something that is not obvious.

Chasing a trip that keeps happening

Unplug everything on the circuit and reset. If it holds, plug things back one at a time. An old motor, a cheap power supply or a damaged cord will show itself quickly.

If it trips with nothing plugged in, the cause is in the wiring and it needs an electrician. Water in an outdoor box is the most common culprit here, and it will keep tripping until the box dries or gets sealed.

When protection cannot go in

In a home with no ground wire, a GFCI outlet is allowed as a replacement for an old two prong outlet and must be labeled no equipment ground. It protects people, which is the important part. It does not create a ground.

Some older appliances and some shared neutral wiring make arc fault breakers trip repeatedly. There are correct ways to handle both, and none of them is leaving the protection out.