—— LedGuru Lighting Inc. Training Series

GFCI & AFCI Troubleshooting Manual

 Subtitle: Gain hands-on knowledge of how to test, reset, and replace faulty GFCI/AFCI devices. Learn code-compliant troubleshooting techniques.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

📘 Table of Contents

1. Introduction to GFCI and AFCI
   
   

2. Common Failure Symptoms
   
   

3. Safety Precautions Before Testing
   
   

4. Tools Required
   
   

5. Step-by-Step GFCI Troubleshooting
   
   

6. Step-by-Step AFCI Troubleshooting
   
   

7. Resetting GFCI and AFCI Devices
   
   

8. Replacing Faulty Devices
   
   

9. Code Compliance Checkpoints
   
   

10. Real-World Examples
    
    

11. Review & Best Practices
    
    

12. Quiz & Hands-on Exercise
    
    

1. 🔍 Introduction to GFCI and AFCI

What is GFCI?

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter: Prevents electrical shock by detecting current leakage to ground.
  
  

• Required in wet areas (bathroom, kitchen, garage, outdoor).
  
  

What is AFCI?

• Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter: Detects hazardous arcing conditions that can cause fires.
  
  

• Required in living rooms, bedrooms, and other habitable spaces per NEC/CEC.
  
  

2. ⚠️ Common Failure Symptoms

Symptom                                                          Possible Cause

No power at outlet                                             Tripped GFCI/AFCI

Frequent tripping                                               Faulty load, damaged wiring

Cannot reset                                                      Device failure or downstream fault

Buzzing or arcing sound                                    Arcing circuit (AFCI)

3. 🛡️ Safety Precautions Before Testing

• Turn off the main breaker before removing or inspecting any device.
  
  

• Use insulated tools and wear safety gloves.
  
  

• Test voltage before touching conductors.
  
  

4. 🧰 Tools Required

• Non-contact voltage tester
  
  

• Multimeter
  
  

• GFCI tester (with trip function)
  
  

• Screwdrivers
  
  

• Flashlight
  
  

• Replacement GFCI/AFCI receptacles or breakers
  
  

5. ✅ GFCI Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Check if the outlet is dead

• Plug in a lamp or tester.
  
  

• If dead, proceed.
  
  

Step 2: Identify if the GFCI is tripped

• Press RESET button. If it pops back or won’t stay in, it’s tripped.
  
  

Step 3: Use GFCI tester

• Insert tester and press “TEST” button.
  
  

• If GFCI does not trip, it's faulty.
  
  

Step 4: Check LINE vs LOAD wiring

• Power should be wired to LINE terminals.
  
  

• Reversed wiring may cause improper function.
  
  

Step 5: Reset and Retest

• Press RESET again. If outlet stays energized and trips properly with test, it’s OK.
  
  

6. ✅ AFCI Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Identify AFCI device (breaker or receptacle)

• Typically labeled with TEST button in panel.
  
  

Step 2: Test with built-in button

• Press TEST. The breaker should trip. If not, it’s defective.
  
  

Step 3: Use AFCI tester

• Plug tester into an AFCI-protected circuit.
  
  

• Simulate arc fault with tester. Breaker should trip.
  
  

Step 4: Inspect connected loads

• Unplug all devices and try resetting.
  
  

• Arcing loads (e.g., motors, cheap chargers) can trip AFCIs.
  
  

Step 5: Examine wiring

• Look for loose neutral wires or damaged insulation.
  
  

7. 🔄 Resetting GFCI & AFCI Devices

• Turn off breaker before pressing RESET.
  
  

• For breakers: switch to OFF then back to ON.
  
  

• For receptacles: press and hold RESET button until it clicks.
  
  

8. 🔁 Replacing Faulty GFCI or AFCI

GFCI Receptacle Replacement:

1. Turn off breaker.
   
   

2. Remove cover plate and mounting screws.
   
   

3. Test for no voltage.
   
   

4. Disconnect wires, noting LINE and LOAD positions.
   
   

5. Connect wires to new device.
   
   

6. Mount and test.
   
   

AFCI Breaker Replacement:

1. Turn off main panel breaker.
   
   

2. Remove panel cover.
   
   

3. Disconnect circuit and neutral wires from old AFCI breaker.
   
   

4. Snap in new breaker and connect wires.
   
   

5. Replace panel and test.
   
   

9. 📏 Code Compliance Checkpoints

Code Area                                                                   Requirement

GFCI Locations                                                            Kitchens, baths, garages, exterior, etc.

AFCI Locations                                                            Bedrooms, living rooms, hallways

Test Labels                                                                   Devices must have TEST and RESET buttons

Date Codes                                                                  Replace outdated units (10+ years)

Line/Load Miswiring                                                     Must be corrected to prevent false tripping

10. 🛠️ Real-World Examples

Scenario A: GFCI won’t reset in bathroom

• Diagnosis: Downstream outlet has ground fault
  
  

• Solution: Disconnect LOAD terminals and retest main outlet.
  
  

Scenario B: AFCI trips when vacuum is used

• Diagnosis: Vacuum motor generates arcing noise
  
  

• Solution: Try on non-AFCI circuit, consider motor filter.
  
  

11. ✅ Review & Best Practices

• Always test GFCIs monthly using built-in button.
  
  

• Label GFCI/AFCI-protected circuits clearly.
  
  

• Educate homeowners on proper use and resetting.
  
  

• Never bypass safety devices to stop nuisance tripping.
  
  

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