What Is a GFCI Breaker vs. a GFCI Outlet?

What Is a GFCI Breaker vs. a GFCI Outlet?

Both GFCI breakers and GFCI outlets provide ground fault circuit interrupter protection, which shuts off power when a current imbalance of as little as 5 milliamps is detected — protecting against electric shock. The difference is where the protection device is located and how many outlets it protects.

GFCI Outlet

• A GFCI outlet (also called a GFI receptacle) is a standard-sized outlet with a built-in GFCI module and test/reset buttons
• It protects only the devices plugged directly into it — unless additional downstream outlets are wired through its LOAD terminals, in which case it protects those outlets as well
• Easier and less expensive to install than a GFCI breaker; suitable for protecting one or a few outlets in a bathroom, kitchen, or exterior location
• The reset button is at the outlet itself — if the outlet trips, you reset it at the outlet location

GFCI Breaker

• A GFCI breaker replaces a standard breaker in the panel and provides GFCI protection for every outlet on that entire circuit
• More expensive than a GFCI outlet but protects multiple devices at once — useful for garage, outdoor, or bathroom circuits with multiple outlets
• The reset button is in the panel; if the breaker trips, you must go to the panel to reset it
• Required in Ontario for some specific locations such as unfinished basements and certain outdoor circuits, where installing individual GFCI outlets at every location would be impractical

Both types provide equivalent shock protection when installed correctly. Ontario Electrical Code requires GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens within 1.5m of a sink, garages, outdoors, and other locations. EZSMART installs GFCI outlets and breakers across Ontario and handles all permit requirements. Contact us for any GFCI installation or upgrade.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp