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The major difference between a GFCI breaker and an AFCI breaker is that a GFCI breaker protects against fatal shocks while an AFCI breaker prevent electrical fires. A GFCI breaker senses when the electrical current to ground is overloaded and trips to prevent major accidents or injuries. AFCI breakers trip when it detects dangerous electrical arcing.

Soldering is a reliable and durable way to connect wires, but it isn't the only method. Nowadays, professionals often crimp the connection instead—although this requires a higher degree of skill than soldering.

Aluminum wiring can pose a significant fire risk because it tends to expand, contract, and overheat, leading to failing connections and splices. If your home has aluminum wiring, it doesn't always require a complete replacement, but you must take safety precautions. The first step is to hire a licensed electrician to conduct a thorough inspection. Based on their findings, you have several options:

• Full Replacement: The safest but most expensive solution is to replace all aluminum wiring with copper.

• Copper Pigtailing: A more budget-friendly option, suitable for certain homes, involves adding a short section of copper wire to the end of each aluminum wire at connection points.

• Other Safety Upgrades: Your electrician may also recommend installing aluminum-compatible outlets and applying an anti-oxidant paste to connections to prevent corrosion.

Consulting a professional will help you determine the best course of action to ensure your home's wiring meets current safety standards.

Before hiring an electrician, check out the contractor’s official website, read reviews, and look them up on your local Department of Labor’s website. If you’re hiring for a complex job, pay special attention to their level of expertise. Also, call up pros directly to ask about their insurance status, specifically liability insurance, and request customer references.