Where is an AFCI required in a branch circuit?

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 are the requirements for multiwire branch circuits?





Remember, a multiwire branch circuit “consists of two or more ungrounded conductors that have a voltage between them, and a grounded conductor that has equal voltage between it and each ungrounded conductor of the circuit and that is connected to the neutral or grounded conductor of the system.”

Is a multiwire branch circuit required to originate from the same panelboard?

Section 210-4(a) also states that all multiwire branch-circuit conductors must originate from the same panelboard.

Can you split a AFCI outlet?

It can indeed use two single pole breakers as the disconnecting means, as long as the breakers are connected using identified handle ties or a master handle (NEC 2008 225.33(B)). However, this would not be an option when dealing with AFCI or GFCI breakers.

Are branch circuits supplying outlets in bedrooms required to be AFCI protected?

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,

Are branch circuits supplying outlets in bedrooms required to be AFCI protected and why?





AFCIs and their goals



AFCI devices are used to provide protection for all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets in dwelling unit bedrooms. AFCI devices are required to protect the entire branch circuit from the point of connection at the device to the outlets.

Are multi-wire branch circuits legal?

The National Electrical Code permits multiwire branch circuits, but adds requirements to make them safer. Section 210.4(B) states that in the panelboard where the branch circuit originates, all ungrounded conductors must be provided with a means to disconnect them simultaneously.

What color coding is required on multiwire branch circuits?

For example, a four-wire, multiwire branch circuit may be marked with all of the associated colors while a two-wire branch circuit may be marked as blue and white for 120V or yellow and gray for 277V. Section 210.5(C)(1) requires multi-wire branch circuits to be marked at termination, connection and splice points.

Can two branch circuits share a neutral?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Two hot circuits essentially are sharing that one common neutral. So we call this a multi-wire branch circuit and a lot of older houses you're going to see almost every circuit in the house is run in

What is a combination AFCI?



A Combination Type AFCI detects all three types of arcing: line-to-neutral, line-to-ground, and series arcing.” The most probable and convenient “means” to meet the AFCI Protection requirement for new construction dwelling units is through use of a Combination Type AFCI Breaker, 210.12(A)(1).

Can you share a neutral on an arc fault circuit breaker?

Can the AFCI with shared neutral be used for retrofit installations? Yes, for retrofit installation, GE AFCIs can be substituted for the existing thermal magnetic breakers without the need to sort out existing shared or mixed neutrals.

Can you put a AFCI outlet on an AFCI circuit?

Yes, they both can be used on the same circuit; however, the Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Receptacle offers the option of providing both AFCI and GFCI protection in a single device.

Where are 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.

Where are AFCI breakers required 2020?

AFCI current requirements in the NEC 2020 code:



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

Do dedicated circuits need AFCI?

Yes, you need AFCI protection. As of the 2017 NEC, AFCI protection has been extended to all 15 and 20A, 120V branch circuit outlets in all dwelling unit locations. This includes dedicated appliances such as furnaces and dishwashers, and even smoke detector circuits.

Do all outlets need to be 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.

Does refrigerator 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 garage outlets need to be AFCI?

The 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) requires the protection of an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) for 15 and 20 amp circuits in all newly built residential areas, but they are not needed in bathrooms, garages, or outdoor areas.

Do detached garages need AFCI breakers?

Is the AFCI breaker required in a detached garage? A detached structure does not need any AFCI’s.

Does a garage door opener need a AFCI breaker?

Yes, a garage door opener must have GFCI protection.