Smoke alarms connected to a 15A or 20A circuit of a dwelling unit must be AFCI protected if the smoke alarm is located in one of the areas specified in 210.12(B) [see the Figure).

What is required to be on arc fault breakers?

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.)

What circuit does a smoke alarm go on?





lighting circuit

(Smoke detectors are usually wired to the lighting circuit, so turn this off at the switchboard). The alarm should sound indicating the battery condition is acceptable. If the unit fails to respond, the battery should be replaced without delay. From time to time the smoke alarm battery must be replaced with a new one.

Where is AFCI not required?

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.

What circuits have to be AFCI protected?

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 is the NEC code for smoke detectors?





For many years NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, has required as a minimum that smoke alarms be installed inside every sleep room (even for existing homes) in addition to requiring them outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. (Additional smoke alarms are required for larger homes.)

Does a fire alarm need a dedicated circuit?

Residential smoke alarms should be wired on a dedicated circuit. It’s a good idea to have at least one light or receptacle-on the same circuit, to alert the homeowners in case the circuit breaker ever trips. Interconnected alarms are usually wired in a daisy chain, using 14-3 or 12-3 cable.

Where are AFCI breakers required 2020?

AFCI current requirements in the NEC 2020 code:

Common rooms. Hallways and closets. Kitchens. Laundry areas.

Do kitchen appliances need to be arc fault protected?



The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) for certain electrical circuits in your home, including the kitchen.

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.

Does a washing machine need to be arc fault protected?



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.

Where are arc fault 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.