Absent from the list of spaces that require AFCI protection are: bathrooms, outdoors, unfinished basements, crawl spaces, attics and garage spaces, to name a few. Kitchens and laundry areas of manufactured or mobile homes are no longer exempt.
2: AFCI protection shall not be required on branch circuits supplying receptacles located in hallways, kitchens or laundry areas and GFCI protected receptacles installed in dining rooms.
AFCI's are commonly found within the home, in almost all living spaces. But, there are some receptacles in the home that are exempted from AFCI protection: Fridges in kitchens.
The remaining areas where AFCI protection is not required and is optional are: Garages ( if laundry area is in garage, AFCI for laundry area only). Attics, crawl space, uninhabited basement areas. Outdoor receptacles and outdoor circuits.
NEC 210.12(B) of the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) requires Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) protection for branch circuits supplying all newly installed 120-volt, 15 & 20 amp outlets or devices in kitchens, laundry areas, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, ...
Circuits that provide more than 20 amps or more than 120 volts (208 / 240 volts circuits) are also exempted from AFCI protection.
Exception: AFCI protection shall not be required where the extension of the existing branch circuit conductors is not more than 1.8 m (6 ft) and does not include any additional outlets or devices, other than splicing devices.
That means that the requirements for AFCI protection is required in the areas stated above at all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-amp receptacles, lighting fixtures, switches, smoke alarms, dishwashers, refrigerators, and so on. 6) Conduit encased in concrete with an AFCI receptacle.
Traditionally, this requirement applied only to kitchen countertop receptacles, but now any cord-and-plug connection points in the kitchen (such as refrigerator receptacles, disposal receptacles and microwave receptacles) now require GFCI protection.
AFCI is required for 120V circuits 10-20A supplying outlets and devices in kitchens (that's receptacles, lighting, and hardwired appliances). GFCI is required for kitchen receptacles and specific appliances like dishwashers. Simplest means of compliance is a dual function breaker.
All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying dwelling unit kitchens and laundry areas now require AFCI protection.
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.
But according to NEC's definition, a hardwired lighting circuit still needs an AFCI breaker because it supplies electrical current to light fixtures and is therefore considered an “outlet.”
Smoke alarms connected to a 15A or 20A circuit of a dwelling unit must be AFCI protected if the smoke alarm is located in one of the areas specified In 210.12(B).
How Many Outlets Can You Put On a 15-Amp Circuit? Based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), electricians are advised to put 12 outlets on one circuit with 15-amp, Modern outlets now require arc fault breakers and most electricians will not attach them to light fixtures.
dwelling, so when a building is intended for Family Housing for seasonal workers, all requirements for a single dwelling unit including AFCI requirements shall apply. A typical cooking facility includes appliances such as ranges or built-in ovens (electric or gas supply).
Microwaves, heaters, power tools, treadmills, or even fluorescent lighting may produce mechanical arc patterns that the AFCI breaker detects as dangerous arcs leading to trips.
All 125- through 250-volt rated receptacles supplied by a single-phase branch circuit rated 150 volts or less to ground are required to have GFCI protection. This means that in addition to the washing machine, a clothes dryer in a laundry room would also need to be protected.
Depending on the wattage, a microwave can run on both a 15-amp circuit and a 20-amp circuit. Microwaves up to about 1,200 watts can run on a 15-amp circuit. If the microwave is above 1,200 watts, a 20-amp circuit is recommended.
Ex: AFCI protection is not required for extension wiring that is less than 6 ft long if no outlets or devices, other than splicing devices, are added. This measurement does not include the conductors inside an enclosure, cabinet, or junction box.
Since water is an electric conductor, GFCIs are important in areas where water and electricity could meet, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and garages.
Another reason why a refrigerator or freezer should not be on a GFCI outlet is because GFCI outlets are often “daisy chained.” This means that one GFCI circuit can be connected to multiple outlets in the kitchen or garage.
In general, a 20A circuit should have no more than 10 outlets. The National Electrical Code (NEC) stipulates that the total load on a 20-amp circuit should not exceed 1250 watts. It includes all the outlets, lights, and appliances on the circuit.
While they may not be legally required, it is highly recommended to have AFCI breakers installed for the safety of your home. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your home is equipped with the necessary safety measures.
Our Key Takeaways. GFCIs are essential for protecting against electrocution, especially in wet areas of the home. AFCIs provide safety against electrical fires by detecting dangerous arc faults within circuits. Dual function breakers can offer comprehensive protection by combining AFCI and GFCI technology.