Where do you need AFCI protection?
Table of Contents
Where do you need AFCI protection?
AFCI protection is currently required for all 15 and 20 amp branch circuits providing power to outlets* in residential family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, and similar rooms or areas.
What does AFCI protect against?
The function of the AFCI is to protect the branch circuit wiring from dangerous arcing faults that could initiate an electrical fire. AFCI and GFCI technologies can co-exist with each other and are a great complement for the most complete protection that can be provided on a circuit.
Where are AFCI breakers required 2021?
16 states that AFCI protection is required for all 120-Volt, single phase, 15 and 20 amp branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, and similar rooms or areas.
Does fridge need AFCI?
Refrigerator Circuit This circuit usually does not require GFCI protection unless the outlet is within 6 feet of a sink or located in a garage or basement, but it generally does require AFCI protection.
Do washers need AFCI?
Nearly every room/ area in a dwelling unit requires AFCI protection, so no matter where you put a clothes washer, it will be AFCI protected in a newer home.
What are two ways you can have AFCI protection?
This can be accomplished by installing AFCI circuit breakers then using GFCI receptacles at specific locations; or, there are combination AFCI/GFCI circuit breakers that can offer both types of protection to the entire circuit.
Does dishwasher need AFCI?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) does require garbage disposals and dishwashers to have arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection.
Does a washing machine need to be arc fault protected?
Does a microwave need AFCI?
A dedicated 20-amp circuit is needed to feed the microwave oven. Since the appliance is plugged into an outlet, AFCI protection is required.
Do dryers need to be AFCI protected?
Therefore, clothes dryers are now required to be GFCI protected because they are in the laundry area. The same is true for basements; for the 2020 edition, the code making panel removed the “unfinished” qualifications from basements.
Should I replace breakers with AFCI?
The 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) requires AFCI breakers in nearly all new construction. In 2017, the requirement was updated to require AFCI protection in virtually every room in a home.
Will an AFCI breaker protect a non grounded circuit?
An AFCI receptacle will work without a ground wire attached. An AFCI receptacle will provide arc fault protection when installed in a 2-wire (hot and neutral) branch circuit where no grounding conductor is present.
Do kitchen plugs have to be AFCI?
No. The latest National Electrical Code requires both AFCI and GFCI protection only in kitchens and laundry rooms. And within those rooms, the Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Receptacle provides what is called “feed-through” protection, which means it provides protection for all wiring and extensions attached to the load side.
Do bathrooms require AFCI?
AFCI protection is not required for outlets located outside or in garages or bathroom areas.
