Can a BSafe Electrix outlet replace a GFCI or AFCI?
No. For selected applications, a GFCI, and AFCI, is required by code, and can not be replaced by a BSafe outlet. A GFCI outlet does not respond to over- temperature conditions. It is a device which ONLY trips when “leakage current” exceeds approximately 5ma. An AFCI is not available in a standard outlet, only as a combination Circuit Breaker. It works by recognizing various arcing signatures and as noted in question nos. 5 and 7, an AFCI will not recognize a series arcing, “glowing connection” condition. On the other hand, the BSafe outlet responds to absolute temperature. Regardless of the cause, once the temperature at the wiring screw terminals and / or the outlets exceed the allowable range, the outlet will trip, shutting off the load plugged into it.
