--- title: How GFCI, AFCI, and a Whole-Home Safety Assessment Protect Your Family description: How circuit interrupters (GFCI and AFCI) help avert risks to an electrical system. Why a comprehensive Whole-Home Safety Assessment is a good investment. image: https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hubfs/bigstock-Automatic-Circuit-Breakers-Co-315924307.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/how-gfci-afci-and-a-whole-home-safety-assessment-protect-your-family#main-content) [![Wilcox Electric Logo](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/wilcox-blog.png?width=200&height=75&name=wilcox-blog.png)](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/) - [Home](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/) - [About Us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/about) - [Services](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/electrical-services) - [Smart Home Services](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/smart-home) - [Blog](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric) - [Contact Us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/contact-us) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/) - [About Us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/about) - [Services](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/electrical-services) - [Smart Home Services](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/smart-home) - [Blog](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric) - [Contact Us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/contact-us) Feb 1, 2024 8:00:00 AM # How GFCI, AFCI, and a Whole-Home Safety Assessment Protect Your Family [Wilcox Electric](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/author/wilcox-electric) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/how-gfci-afci-and-a-whole-home-safety-assessment-protect-your-family) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/how-gfci-afci-and-a-whole-home-safety-assessment-protect-your-family) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/how-gfci-afci-and-a-whole-home-safety-assessment-protect-your-family) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/how-gfci-afci-and-a-whole-home-safety-assessment-protect-your-family) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/how-gfci-afci-and-a-whole-home-safety-assessment-protect-your-family) ![GFCI-AFCI-Whole-Home-Safety-Assessment-Wilcox-Electric-DC](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-Automatic-Circuit-Breakers-Co-315924307.jpg?width=1600&height=1068&name=bigstock-Automatic-Circuit-Breakers-Co-315924307.jpg) [Electrical safety](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/electrical-wiring-safety-101-protect-your-home-and-family) might not be the most glamorous or exciting subject, but it's one that's vital for your home's security and your family's well-being. Your home's electrical system powers your lifestyle in countless ways, and it’s a force that demands respect and awareness. Things that are invisible to the untrained eye such as faulty wiring and aging components can pose a serious risk to your family and property. A [comprehensive safety assessment](https://wilcox-electric.com/electrical-safety/) can keep you “in the know” about your home's electrical system. [AFCI breakers and GFCI outlets](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/gfci-and-afci-how-they-make-your-home-safer) are two solutions that can provide essential everyday protection from electrical risks to your family’s safety. ## Understanding Invisible Threats When it comes to electrical hazards, there are two primary safety risks: shocks from direct contact with stray current, and [fires sparked by arcing faults within wiring](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/is-your-old-electrical-wiring-a-safety-hazard) or appliances. GFCI and AFCI tackle these threats head-on. - **GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets:** Think of GFCI outlets as vigilant sentinels constantly monitoring the flow of electricity, and capable of shutting down the circuit at the first sign of an imbalance. They're particularly important in areas where water contact is a possibility, like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and outdoor outlets. For example, a current leak through water or even an appliance dropped in standing water like a sink or bathtub will trigger a GFCI outlet to shut down the circuit before any harm can be done. - **AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers:** While GFCI outlets are excellent protection against electrical shock, they don't offer protection against arcing faults inside your walls and appliances. This is where AFCI breakers fill that gap, by scanning entire circuits to detect the telltale crackle of arcing before a spark can start an electrical fire. AFCI breakers act as invisible shields, safeguarding multiple rooms and [appliances](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/considering-new-kitchen-appliances-keep-these-things-in-mind) from arcing faults. ## GFCI and AFCI Work Together as a Team to Protect Your Home Your home's [electrical system](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/why-does-my-electrical-system-need-to-be-grounded) is complex, and multiple layers of protection are always a good idea. GFCI outlets excel at preventing electrical shocks, while AFCI breakers protect against fires. Working together, they create a sweeping safety net that covers a broader range of potential threats than either can manage alone. ## Why a Whole-Home Electrical Safety Assessment is a Good Investment Just like a routine wellness visit with your doctor can reveal hidden health concerns, a whole-home safety assessment can shed light on potential electrical issues lurking inside your walls. A thorough inspection of your [wiring](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/a-home-renovation-is-the-perfect-time-to-upgrade-wiring), [panels](https://wilcox-electric.com/panel-changes/), [circuits](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/when-is-it-time-to-replace-old-panels-and-circuit-breakers), and components by a licensed expert electrician protects your home and everything inside it from hazards. Identifying areas where GFCI outlets, AFCI breakers, and other [electrical upgrades](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/electrical-upgrades-to-assist-aging-in-place) are needed allows you to take proactive measures to prevent potential dangers before they become emergencies.  Electrical safety isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about peace of mind. At Wilcox Electric, we understand that your home is your sanctuary, and we offer comprehensive electrical services to keep it safe. From installing GFCI outlets and AFCI breakers to conducting thorough whole-home safety assessments, we ensure your [electrical system](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/top-8-signs-that-you-may-not-have-safe-electrical-systems) is both functional and safe for you and your family. --- Life is full of surprises, but don't let hidden electrical dangers be one of them. Take the first step towards a safer home - [contact Wilcox Electric](https://wilcox-electric.com/contact-us/) and schedule a [whole-home electrical safety assessment](https://wilcox-electric.com/electrical-safety/). 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