The National Electric Code (NEC) has required both GFCI and CAFCI protection for laundry and kitchen circuits in a residence since the 2014 edition of the code. There are two ways you can do it:

1. Install a Dual Functional Circuit Interrupter (DFCI)breaker, shown above, in the electric panel for the circuit. It provides both GFCI and CAFCI protection, along with the overcurrent protection of a standard circuit breaker. To read more about them, see our blog post ”What is a Dual Function Circuit Interrupter (DFCI)?” 
2. Install a CAFCI breaker for the circuit in the panel and a GFCI-receptacle at the first outlet in the circuit, which will provide GFCI-protection for all the downstream receptacles.

    The cost of the equipment is about the same for either type of installation, but #2 makes it easier troubleshoot whether the defect causing a trip was an arc fault or a ground fault in the circuit.

    Also, see our blog posts When did arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers first become required? and What electrical hazards does a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) NOT protect against?

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about AFCI and GFCI RECEPTACLES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS:

• Does a septic pump or sump pump require a GFCI-receptacle?

• What is the difference between what trips a GFCI (ground fault) receptacle and a circuit breaker?

• Are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) really necessary and worth the trouble? 

• What is the code requirement for GFCI protection for receptacles near a wet bar sink?

• When was GFCI-protection for kitchen dishwasher receptacle outlet first required? 

• Does a washing machine receptacle outlet require GFCI protection?

• My spa tub stopped working. What's wrong?  

• How do I identify a combination AFCI (CAFCI) circuit breaker? 

• What does "listed and labeled" mean for an electrical component?  

• What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers? 

• Where are GFCI receptacle outlets required?

• When were GFCI receptacle outlets first required?

• What happens when you press the "TEST" button on a circuit breaker in an electric panel?

• What is the difference between the electric service to a mobile home and a site built home? 

• Why is there a wall switch next to the furnace or indoor unit of the air conditioner in the garage?

• What is a Dual Function Circuit Interrupter (DFCI)? 

• How I can tell if a receptacle outlet is tamper resistant?

• What is the difference between a Combination Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (CAFCI) and an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) circuit breaker?  

• What is the difference between "grounded" and "grounding" electrical conductors? 

• What does it mean when a wire is "overstripped" at a circuit breaker?

• Why is there a GFCI breaker in the electric panel for the bathroom shower light and exhaust fan?

• What is the switch on the wall with two pushbuttons? 

• How far apart should kitchen counter receptacles be spaced?  

• How far above a kitchen countertop do electrical outlets have to be? 

• My bathroom electric receptacle/outlet is dead and there are no tripped breakers in the electric panel. What's wrong?  

• My GFCI reset button is hard to push and won't reset. What's wrong?

• Why do some breakers in my electric panel have a "TEST" button on them?

    Visit our AFCI AND GFCI page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.