A GFCI outlet can keep your family safe and is relatively inexpensive to install. Learn how much replacing GFCI outlets will cost you, and what factors into those costs.
GFI vs. GFCI: What’s the Difference?
The answer may shock you
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GFI and GFCI both mean the same electrical device that detects ground faults and shuts off power to protect you from electrical shock.
GFI only refers to outlets, while GFCI describes outlets, breakers, or receptacles, with GFCI being the more formal electrical term professionals use.
Your choice between installing individual GFI outlets or GFCI breakers depends on whether you need targeted protection in specific rooms or whole-circuit coverage.
Hiring a local electrical professional provides peace of mind with proper GFCI device installation, keeping your home safe and fully compliant with electrical codes.
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Electrical safety is a top priority when remodeling or building a home. You may have heard that GFI or GFCI outlets play a vital role in preventing electrical shock. But what exactly do those terms mean? And what makes them different from one another? Here’s how GFI vs. GFCI compare in the categories of appearance, location, and usage.
What Are the Differences Between GFI and GFCI?
Ground fault interrupter (GFI) and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) are often interchangeable terms. Both are electrical devices equipped with the same function: to detect ground faults and cut power, protecting individuals from deadly electrical shock. The difference between GFI and GFCI lies in terminology and usage. GFIs only refer to outlets, while GFCIs can be electrical outlets, breakers, or receptacles. The term GFCI is more widely and formally used than GFI.
| Type of Difference | Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) | Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Detects ground faults and shuts off power; prevents electrical shock | Detects ground faults and shuts off power; prevents electrical shock |
| Usage | Only refers to outlets | Can refer to an outlet, breaker, or receptacle |
| Location | Individual outlets | Outlets or circuit breakers in electrical panel |
| Terminology | Not as commonly used | More commonly used; used in the National Electrical Code (NEC) |
GFI vs. GFCI: Differences in Appearance
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There’s generally no difference in appearance between a GFI and GFCI, since the two terms can refer to the same electrical device. However, because a GFCI can be an electrical outlet, breaker, or other receptacle, appearance will vary based on the type of GFCI device. For example, a GFCI outlet, GFCI circuit breaker, and portable GFCI all look different, despite having the exact same function. The most important thing is to choose the correct GFCI device based on your electrical needs.
Key Visual Features of a GFCI Outlet
Two vertical plug slots
One ground hole
Red rectangular “RESET” button
Black rectangular “TEST” button
LED light to signal power status
Key Visual Features of a GFCI Circuit Breaker
Located in the main electrical panel
“Test” and “Reset” buttons
Several breakers connected to household circuits
May have LED lights
Can be single-pole (120V) or dual-pole (240V)
Location Differences
We’ve already established that although GFI and GFCI are synonymous terms, GFCI can include a variety of electrical devices. With that in mind, installation location will differ based on the type of device and your home’s specific needs. GFCI outlets are commonly installed near where water sources are found, including the kitchen, bathroom, garage, laundry room, and outside of the home. Outlets should be easily accessible and in full compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC) GFCI requirements.
A GFCI circuit breaker is installed in the main electrical panel and protects an entire circuit. Bigger homes may have subpanels that also have GFCI circuit breakers.
While GFCI installation can technically be done DIY with a certain level of skill, it’s always safest to hire a local electrician to do the job.
Usage Differences
GFI is used exclusively for individual wall outlets, whereas GFCI can refer to the use of both outlets and circuit breakers. GFI outlets are used for targeted protection in one specific area of the house. For example, you may install a GFI outlet near your bathroom sink to meet NEC code and prevent electrocution. A GFCI circuit breaker, meanwhile, will protect all the wiring, outlets, switches, and appliances on that circuit.
Electrical services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.7★ avg. • 107 total reviews
- Jeff B.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon Mitigation - Regina H.
I conferred with 2 other contractors before Armstrong Electric. Nick and his crew showed me that the project was not as convoluted as the other contractors made it appear to be. They completed the entire project on time. They were professional, friendly and cleaned up after at completion. I...
Armstrong Electric LLC - Jeffrey J.
The techs on my project, Shawn and Cliff, were great. They were prompt, courteous, and efficient. I am very happy with the results and would definitely contact Mr. Electric for any future electrical projects.
Mr. Electric of Columbus - William R.
Victor was wonderful. He was on time, professional, and explained everything he was doing. He was thorough and figured out that the problem was electrical instead of with my HVAC system. Very knowledgeable. I will be using this company in the future for any HVAC needs. Thanks!
Hubbs Heating & Air LLC - Jerald W.
They were excellent. They did a great job. I was totally satisfied. They put tremendous effort in making sure the work was completed. They were great. They provided immediate response to any inquires I made. I would hire them again. I would recommend them to anyone who needs electrical work....
Property-Tech Industries, LLC - Paul H.
Initially, the repairman could not find the problem. Apparently, there was some electrical shortage, but he could not find the definite problem. He left, but called back later to say he had a new idea. He returned and replaced the light switches on the doors. The refrigerator seemed to return...
Appliance Pro LLC - Sarah C.
The initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
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Waibel Electric - Bradley H.
When I challenged the markup on the generator, Bruder Electric withdrew its bid. They only want naïve customers.
- Gregory B.
We had no power to any of the electrical outlets in the MBR. We'd had an intermittent problem for a few years and they finally went out all together. We live on the 3rd floor of a 100 year old building and I know from past experience the wiring has been added to in hodgepodge ways over the...
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