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.

What rooms need to be on arc fault breakers?

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.

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 arc fault breakers required 2020?

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, …

Does laundry room need AFCI?

Therefore, by default, the clothes washing machine in a dwelling unit laundry area will be AFCI 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 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 bedroom lights need to be on an AFCI?

Anyway, NEC 2014 requires AFCI for all outlets in bedrooms and many other habitable rooms. The word “outlet” in NEC connotes any appliance that is served by electricity, including installed laods like lights, smart switches and the like.

Where should AFCI be used?

AFCI current requirements in the NEC 2020 code:



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

Does a microwave need an arc fault breaker?

A dedicated 20-amp circuit is needed to feed the microwave oven. Since the appliance is plugged into an outlet, AFCI protection is required.

Does furnace 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 kitchen counter receptacles need to be AFCI?



The Importance of AFCI Protection

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.

Do outlets need to be arc fault protected?

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.

Do light fixtures need to be AFCI protected?

The NEC requires that virtually all branch circuits for lighting and receptacles in a home must have arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) protection.

Can you put a GFCI outlet on a AFCI 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.

Does a washing machine need to be GFCI protected?

There is no specific requirement in the NEC for the washing machine itself to have GFCI protection. Section 210.52(F) requires a receptacle outlet to be installed for the laundry area and it must be supplied by a 20-ampere branch circuit in accordance with 210.11(C)(2).

Where do you install AFCI outlets?

AFCI outlets are recommended for the following locations in a house: family rooms, dining rooms, dens, bedrooms, closets, hallways, recreation rooms, sunrooms.

Can I use an arc fault outlet instead of breaker?

Why would I use AFCI outlet instead of breaker? The AFCI outlet can be a great alternative depending on the circumstance. AFCI outlets work with any type of wiring and are not dependent on the type of breaker in the panel.

Do AFCI outlets protect upstream?



It is intended to provide protection to down- stream branch-circuit wiring, cord sets, and power-supply cords against the unwanted effects of arcing. This device also provides protection to upstream branch-circuit wiring. It is intended to be provided with or without receptacle outlets.