Final answer:
GFIs are designed to prevent shock by monitoring and reacting to current loss through unintended paths. AFCIs are made to prevent fires by identifying and responding to potentially dangerous arcing in electrical circuits. Both are safety devices used in electrical systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ground Fault Interrupters (GFIs) are designed to prevent shock by detecting the loss of current to unintentional paths, such as through a person's body or via water. They work by comparing the currents in the live/hot and neutral wires and will trip if the difference exceeds a safe value, typically set to interrupt the circuit if the leakage current is greater than 5 milliamperes (mA). This functionality is critical for avoiding electrical shock that can occur from faults in electrical devices or wiring, especially in moist environments like kitchens and bathrooms.
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are designed to prevent fires by detecting arcing conditions in electrical circuits which could lead to high temperatures and sparks that may ignite flammable materials. Unlike GFIs, AFCIs are concerned with preventing the consequences of arcing, which might be due to damaged or deteriorating wires and contacts, rather than direct electric shock to humans. Both GFIs and AFCIs are important safety devices in protecting homes and buildings from the dangers associated with electrical systems.