Where is an AFCI required?
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.
Which area of a dwelling unit would not require AFCI protection?
AFCI protection is not required for outlets located outside or in garages or bathroom areas. (B) All 15A or 20A, 120V branch circuits supplying outlets in dormitory unit bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, closets, bathrooms, or similar areas.
When did AFCI become required?
1999
In 1999, AFCIs became a requirement in the National Electrical Code (NEC®). An AFCI breaker provides a higher level of protection than a standard circuit breaker by detecting and stopping a hazardous arcing condition before it can become an electrical fire.
How do I provide AFCI protection?
Usually, you can do this in several ways, some of which are:
- By installing an AFCI electrical breaker and adding GFCI outlets down the line.
- By installing a dual-function electrical breaker on the circuits that supply the kitchen.
Are AFCI breakers required in older homes?
While many new homes have AFCI breakers, many older homes do not, and that is deemed to be acceptable since they were not required during the code year the house was built. While your city may not require them, AFCI’s may still be a worthy investment.
Where are AFCI required 2020?
In the 2020 edition of the NEC®, Section 210.12 requires that for dwelling units, all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms.
Where are AFCI required 2017?
As it’s already well known, dwelling units currently require AFCI protection. Now the 2017 NEC is expanding protection to guest rooms and dormitory bathrooms and circuits supplying outlets and devices.
Why are AFCI breakers required?
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.
How many AFCI breakers do I need?
So it all started with the bedrooms. However, with every consecutive update of the Code, AFCIs were required in more rooms and areas. Since the revision of the NEC in 2017, every 15 and 20-amp, 120-volt, single-phase branch circuit outlets for dwelling areas are required to have AFCI installed on them.
Do all houses have AFCI?
AFCIs are required on all 120-volt, single-phase circuits with 15 to 20 amps supplying receptacles in all dwelling rooms. If, for example, if you use your basement as a living room, playroom, or recreational room, then you will need to install an AFCI protection. However, basements (garages, attics, etc.)