GFCI Receptacle vs. GFCI Circuit Breaker

In your home, GFCI devices are important to have for electrical safety. The two different types of GFCI products are receptacles and circuit breakers. Depending on the electrical system, you can install either or both types of GFCI devices for extra safety measures.

GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter, which means the devices prevent ground faults. Ground faults happen when electricity flows on an unintended path to the ground or a grounded equipment frame. This makes the electric current drop or spike, which can trip the breaker and potentially cause harmful electric shock. Incorrect wiring or poor wiring insulation are the main causes of ground faults.

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are devices specifically designed to prevent and combat ground faults. They constantly monitor the flow of electricity and instantly detect if there are sudden changes in current. GFCI devices will then immediately cut off power to prevent further shocks or damage from occurring.

GFCI circuit breakers operate at the main breaker box or service panel. They connect to every outlet and appliance that runs to the main breaker through GFCI breaker wiring. Their purpose is to measure the flow of electricity running to and from equipment on the circuit. So, if there is a ground fault anywhere on the system, the GFCI circuit breaker will turn off the main breaker entirely.

GFCI circuit breakers are best for situations where many outlets need ground fault protection at once. They can be a more efficient option than installing GFCI receptacles at every outlet in the electrical system.

GFCI receptacles operate from individual outlets instead of from the main breaker panel. They operate similarly to circuit breakers, monitoring the flow of electricity to and from the outlet. You can tell an outlet is GFCI by the integrated reset or test button(s) on the face of the panel. 15 amp and 20 amp GFCI outlets are the most common types of receptacles seen in homes and businesses.

GFCI outlets cut power immediately when they detect a ground fault. Only instead of shutting power off at the breaker, they shut off power at the outlet itself.

The two different ways to wire GFCI receptacles are single-location and multiple-location. Single-location wiring protects the flow of electricity at only one GFCI receptacle. Multiple-location wiring protects every receptacle downstream from the first one, including non-GFCI outlets. However, this type of wiring does not protect the current between the first outlet and the breaker.

Ground faults can also occur when an electric current makes contact with water. The National Electric Code requires GFCI outlets in all locations where wetness or dampness can cause such hazards. This includes bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and any other room that water runs to or from.

If you're installing both GFCI receptacles and breakers, you need to pay attention to the amperage of each device. 15-amp and 20-amp GFCI receptacles and circuit breakers are the most common types of GFCIs seen in homes and businesses. A general rule of thumb to follow is that the amperage of your outlet should never exceed the amperage of your circuit.

For example, a 15-amp receptacle can operate on a 20-amp circuit. But a 20-amp receptacle should not operate on a 15-amp circuit, as the receptacle will draw too much power from the circuit. Matching the amperage of your receptacles and breakers is the surest way to prevent overloading your circuit.

However, it is likely more cost-effective to install either one or the other. The NEC already requires the installation of GFCI receptacles in certain areas of the home. So unless your electrical system is especially vast or complex, a GFCI circuit breaker may not be necessary. Both receptacles and circuit breakers have the same function, they just monitor the flow of electricity from different locations.

The best method is to assess the number of outlets in your home that need protecting and the level of protection they need. From there, you can determine whether it's better to install GFCI receptacles for each one or invest in a GFCI circuit breaker.

GFCI receptacles are the most accessible kind of ground fault circuit interrupter. They can be reset locally through a button on the panel cover itself. To reset a GFCI breaker, you need to go directly to your breaker box, which can be more tedious.

GFCI outlets also cost less, with GFCI breakers being up to 10 times more expensive than individual receptacles. So, if you’re budgeting or need more localized ground fault protection, GFCI outlets are the better option.

However, GFCI circuit breakers provide more thorough electric current monitoring. They connect to everything that your main breaker connects to, protecting your entire electrical system at once. So, if you’re looking for more extreme, comprehensive protection from ground faults, consider installing a GFCI circuit breaker.