What's the difference between GFCI and AFCI outlets and where do I need each type?

GFCI outlets protect you from electrocution by cutting power if they detect a ground fault, while AFCI outlets prevent electrical fires by stopping arc faults - totally different jobs. You need GFCIs in wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, but AFCIs in bedrooms and living spaces where fires are the bigger risk.

the big thing people overlook is that your breaker panel might already have AFCI protection built in at the circuit level, so you don't always need AFCI outlets themselves - but many codes now require them in bedrooms and living spaces anyway, which creates confusion about whether you're doubl-protected or if one type is redundant. before you buy a bunch of AFCI outlets, check what your current panel supports and what your local code actually mandates, because mixing protection methods sometimes creates nuisance tripping or leaves gaps depending on your setup - are you planning to retrofit an older home, or dealing with a new install?

Don't assume your home's electrical code hasn't changed since it was built - what was acceptable ten years ago might not meet current requirements now. One thing worth knowing is that AFCI breakers at the panel level (which protect the entire circuit) are often cheaper and cleaner than installing AFCI outlets at individual receptacles, but local code enforcement varies on whether that satisfies the requirement or if they want outlets too. If you're uncertain about what your jurisdiction actually mandates, a quick call to your local building department beats guessing, since the rules differ between areas and they'll tell you exactly what applies to your house.