If it’s officially considered “habitable space”, then it’s a finished basement and GFCI is not required. AFCI protection is required.

Do basement receptacles need to be AFCI protected?

All basement receptacles require both AFCI and GFCI protection.

Do I need a GFCI outlet in my basement?





Where GFCIs Are Required. GFCI protection is required for 125-volt to 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to the ground. GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present.

When should you not use AFCI?

Exception: AFCI protection is not required for extension wiring that is less than 6 ft long (raceway or cable) if no outlets or devices are added (other than splicing devices). This measurement does not include the conductors inside an enclosure, cabinet, or junction box.

Should I use GFCI or AFCI?

GFCI Receptacles are more preferred than its breaker. The AFCI breakers are more preferred than its receptacles. The GFCI usually prevents electrocution from the connected load. The AFCI usually protects from arcs in branching circuits.

What is code for electrical outlets in a basement?

Standard basement electrical outlet height is 15” as per the NEC – National Electrical Code. This measurement is taken from the bottom of the receptacle box to the level of the floor below. There are no special guidelines for basement outlet height as per the NEC – they are the same height as any other floor.

Is GFCI protection required in a finished basement?





Explanation: A 2020 NEC change to Sec. 201.8(A)(5) removed this text: “unfinished portions or areas of the basement not intended as habitable rooms.”This change now requires all receptacles in the basement to have GFCI protection.

Do finished basements need 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.)

Where are arc fault breakers required 2020?

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.

Where is 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.

Do I need a GFCI outlet if I have a AFCI breaker?



In 2014, the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) introduced AFCI requirements for kitchens and laundry rooms. The code had previously required that these locations needed only GFCI protection, but for added safety they are now required to have both AFCI and GFCI 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.

Why are there no AFCI in bathrooms?



The reason AFCI’s aren’t required in the bathroom is a bit obscure. AFCI’s are subject to nuisance tripping, and when people get fed up with the nuisance tripping, they often replace the AFCI/GFCI breaker with an ordinary one, losing the ground fault protection.

Are arc-fault breakers required in bathrooms 2020?

Note: Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) requirements have not expanded to the entire dwelling unit (to include bathrooms, basements and crawl spaces).

Should I replace breakers with AFCI?

The 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) requires AFCI breakers in nearly all new construction. In 2017, the requirement was updated to require AFCI protection in virtually every room in a home.