FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Arc fault circuit plus GFCI ?

JTC1 | Posted in Construction Techniques on October 17, 2008 02:36am

Getting ready to change the SEP at a home – Federal Pacific, circa 1976 – needs to go away……

Have been cleaning up the existing wiring for a few days — tracing / mapping circuits, fixing open grounds, changing outlets, removing back stab connections, etc.

In the course of the work, I have discovered that one of the circuits to a small 2nd floor bedroom also feeds the 2nd floor bathroom.

Right now, this entire circuit is protected by a GFCI breaker in the panel box, and the outlet in the bathroom has a wall box mounted GFCI.

Probably just by lucky chance, the bathroom outlet is at the end of the run.

To fulfill all of the requirements, it would seem that I should install a arc fault breaker at the SEP to provide the bedroom AFCI protection and then install a wall box mounted GFCI in the bathroom outlet box.

Will this work properly – will the devices fight with each other?  I am pretty clueless as to the actual “mechanics” of AFCI and GFCI’s (and probably would not understand an in depth explanation!).

Thanks in advance.

Jim

 

Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. gfretwell | Oct 17, 2008 03:19pm | #1

    It should work fine

    1. DanH | Oct 17, 2008 04:52pm | #2

      The worst problem is that you have to check two different places when something trips.
      Corporation: n. An ingenious device for obtaining individual profit without individual responsibility. --Ambrose Bierce

  2. User avater
    BillHartmann | Oct 17, 2008 05:00pm | #3

    It should work.

    But be warned you might run into other problems with multi wire circuit or neutrals that have been joined or grounded.

    You won't on this circuit because or else the GFCI breaker would have tripped.

    But those thinks sometimes cause problems.

    BTW, the last time I looked (probably 1-2 years ago) may of the cities in California made it clear that they did not require upgrade to AFCI's on a just a service change.

    So you might want to check locally.

    .
    .
    A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
  3. drh | Oct 17, 2008 05:09pm | #4

    Also, if you are trying to meet code, bathroom receptacles should be on dedicated (20 amp) circuits (or receptacles and other equipment in a single bathroom can be on a dedicated circuit). So it being fed from the bedroom would be a violation.

    1. User avater
      BillHartmann | Oct 17, 2008 06:06pm | #5

      That is why I mentioned that usually service upgrades don't require bring everything else up to current code.There are probably a dozen other places that need to be rewired..
      .
      A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

      Edited 10/17/2008 11:06 am by BillHartmann

  4. JTC1 | Oct 18, 2008 02:24am | #6

    Many thanks to all who replied.

    The purpose of the SEP change is merely to remove the 1976 FedPAC SEP from service - will replace with SquareD - same 150 amp rating -- plenty for this home.

    In response to some of the comments:

    multi-wire circuits - none present, have opened every outlet, switch, junction box and light fixture in the entire house. Grounded everything, corrected several cases of reversed polarity.  Replaced every outlet and switch.

    neutral to ground - see above

    dedicated 20A to bathroom - understood and was aware of this - not in the cards to change at this time

    have two places to look when tripped - hope it does not trip too often since that will involve a four floor (round trip) hike to the basement if it is the AFCI.

    To bring the home fully to current, new construction code will take some fairly extensive work mostly due to "too few" outlets.  Later..... Most people would say "there's plenty of outlets", but I know there are several rooms with spacing problems.

    DW and I bought this home to ultimately be our retirement home in 10 or so years.  Meanwhile, it will be a rental property with a lovely view of the Chesapeake Bay and deer in the back yard.

    Thanks again!

    Jim

     

     

    Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
  5. woodturner9 | Oct 18, 2008 02:31am | #7

    To fulfill all of the requirements, it would seem that I should install a arc fault breaker at the SEP to provide the bedroom AFCI protection and then install a wall box mounted GFCI in the bathroom outlet box.

    Will this work properly - will the devices fight with each other?

    That MAY work - it depends on the particular devices and how they are implemented.  They may also interfere with each other, so that neither one functions correctly.  Unfortunately, there is no practical, simple way to test if they are working together correctly or not. In any event, unless the AFCI and the GFCI have been tested and certified together, the circuit will technically not be code compliant. 

    A better approach would be to use an AFCI breaker that also incorporates the GFCI.  Many do, because as you note the functions are similar and adding the GFCI to an AFCI doesn't require much.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Versatile Vise

The IQ Vise has angled jaws, a simple locking mechanism, and solid holding power.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data