What’s the difference between an AFCI breaker and an AFCI outlet? An AFCI breaker is located in the service panel and when tripped, requires the user to reset the breaker at the panel. An AFCI outlet replaces a standard outlet and when tripped, requires the user to reset by pressing a button located on the outlet.

Can I use AFCI outlet instead of AFCI breaker?

Yes, they both can be used on the same circuit. Can AFCI outlets be used on the two wire circuits found in older homes?

Should I 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.

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.

When should you not use AFCI breaker?

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.

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.

How many receptacles can be on a 20 amp circuit?





One rule of thumb is to assign a maximum draw of 1.5 amps to each receptacle, which allows for 10 receptacles on a 20-amp circuit.

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.

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.

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.

Are GFCI outlets required in unfinished basements?



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.

Should a sump pump be on a GFCI?

You Should connect sump pumps to GFCI outlets because it prevents electrocution. GFCI is a device that trips whenever it detects a loss of current. If a malfunction allows the current to escape its predetermined path, the GFCI will protect the consumer from electrocution by shutting the power in the receptacle off.

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.

What is the minimum number of receptacles required by code for basements?



Section 210.52(G) stipulates that at least one receptacle outlet must be installed in each basement of a one-family dwelling. Since at least one receptacle outlet is required, it must be GFCI protected.

How far apart do receptacles have to be?

The maximum spacing between receptacles, according to the National Electric Code (NEC), has been set at 12-feet since 1956–with no point along a wall being more than 6-feet from a receptacle. The logic behind that number is that an appliance with a standard length cord could then be plugged-in anywhere along the wall.

What is code height for electrical switches?

Even if your local electrical code doesn’t require a specific minimum height, these acts offer guidance when installing your light switch: According to ADA guidelines, wall controls and outlets that can be reached from a forward position need to be a minimum of 15 inches and a maximum of 48 inches above the ground to …

How far apart do wall outlets need to be?

twelve feet



The US National Electrical Code, Section 210.52, states that there should be an electrical outlet in every kitchen, bedroom, living room, family room, and any other room that has dedicated living space. They must be positioned at least every twelve feet measured along the floor line.

How high do receptacles have to be off the floor?

about 16-inches

Generally, you want to mount receptacle boxes with the bottom of the box about 16-inches off the floor. Coincidentally, this roughly equates to the same height as your garden variety 22-ounce framing hammer.

How high should outlets be off the ground?

about 12 inches



Standard Height for Outlet Boxes
The standard height for wall outlet boxes is about 12 inches from the top of the floor covering to the bottom of the receptacle box (or 16 inches to the top of the box).