If you are following 2014 NEC or newer, the answer would be yes, 210.12 specifies AFCI protection where branch circuit wiring is “modified, replaced, or extended”. So “adding an outlet down the line” would be an extension of the branch circuit wiring.

Do I need to upgrade to AFCI?

Are Changing Electrical Panels Required When to Have AFCI Breakers? You would only need to add an AFCI breaker panel if the renovation to the electrical panel includes adding outlets, receptacles, and wirings more than 6 ft. in length. If not, you are not mandated to add an AFCI, as per the 2017 NEC.

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.

Can you put a GFCI receptacle on an arc fault breaker?

It’s perfectly fine to connect a circuit that is GFCI on an arc fault breaker, so don’t worry about damaging the breaker if you decide to do this.

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 required 2020?

AFCI current requirements in the NEC 2020 code:
Common rooms. Hallways and closets. Kitchens. Laundry areas.

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.

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 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.

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.

What is the difference between an AFCI outlet and an AFCI breaker?



GFCI is often installed at the power outlets in wet areas. The AFCI breakers are installed at the main electrical panel. The conclusion of this article is that the GFCI is used for prevention of electrical shocks & the AFCI is used for the prevention of electrical fires.

Can I replace a AFCI breaker with standard?

Can You Replace Arc Fault Breaker with Standard Circuit Breaker? Yes, you can. The regular circuit breaker can fit the panel of your old Arc fault breaker.

What line of code governs the replacement of receptacles?

Section 210-7(d) covers requirements for replacing existing receptacles.

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.

Does the 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 to be on an arc fault breaker?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) does require garbage disposals and dishwashers to have arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection.

Does a refrigerator need a GFCI?

In a dwelling unit (residential), GFCI protection is only required for kitchen receptacles that serve the countertop surfaces. There’s no requirement to GFCI protect receptacles that serve a refrigerator. Unless the fridge is plugged into a countertop receptacle.

Should microwave be on GFCI?



Don’t plug your microwave into a GFCI. Also, we don’t know why it worked fine for years. Also you should probably have it plugged into a 20 amp outlet/circuit.”

Do garbage disposals need GFCI?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not require a garbage disposal to have GFCI protection. GFCI protection for this appliance is optional. The vibration caused by the operation of a garbage disposal can cause electrical connections to separate.