Misconceptions electricians still hear about protection devices

[Alan]

Technology keeps moving forward, but certain beliefs about GFCI and AFCI protection seem permanently installed in people’s minds.

From your experience, what is the most common misunderstanding you still hear about these devices? Interested to hear what you find yourself explaining over and over as codes and expectations continue to evolve.

 

[GotouTensei]

People still mix up what GFCI and AFCI actually protect against. Many assume they’re interchangeable or that one replaces the other. Once you explain shock protection versus arc detection in simple terms, the light bulb usually goes on. Until then, they think it’s all the same breaker with different labels.

 

[PGB1]

That self-testing GFI devices don;t need to be manually tested is a common misconception.

During self-test, the circuitry is verified, but the actual moving parts don't move. (By design so that the device(s) under load are not interrupted.)
With a manual test, the parts get to move- proving that they are not stuck or the spring isn't broken.