Do you need AFCI breaker and outlet?

No, every outlet doesn’t need to be an AFCI. All AFCIs provide “feed-through” protection, which means they provide protection for all wiring and extensions attached to the load side.

Where are AFCI breakers 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 areas require both GFCI and AFCI protection?

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.

Where are AFCI receptacles 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.

What requires AFCI breaker?

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.

Will AFCI outlet protect the whole circuit?





An AFCI device protects the entire circuit from the electrical panel through the downstream wire to the outlet, along with all appliances and equipment plugged into that circuit. If an AFCI device trips, it is most likely the result of a potentially dangerous arcing condition detected by the device.

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.

Are arc fault breakers required by code?

Where Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (AFCI) Protection is Required in Residential Dwelling Units. With the adoption of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (AFCI) protection is now required in more locations throughout the home.

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?



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.

Does a dryer need to be arc fault 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.

Does a dishwasher need a GFCI?

Kitchen dishwashers installed in dwelling units require GFCI protection whether hard wired or cord and plug connected. Code Change Summary: A new subsection was added regarding dwelling unit kitchen dishwashers. Now, outlets that supply dwelling unit kitchen dishwashers must have GFCI protection.

Do lights have to be AFCI?



Basically, if the light fixtures (or the switch controlling them) on your 15- or 20-amp circuit are located in any living space or “dwelling area,” you need to add an AFCI breaker.