receptacle outlet AFCI may provide feed-through protection of the cord sets and power-supply
cords connected to downstream receptacles. Receptacle outlet AFCIs do not protect the entire
branch and do not satisfy NEC 210.12 requirements.
Receptacle-Type GFCI.
A GFCI that is integrated into a receptacle that is designed for
installation at a branch-circuit outlet, such as at an outlet box, and is intended to provide ground-
fault protection of personnel in cord sets, power-supply cords, and branch circuit wiring
connected downstream of the device.
3.
2008 NEC Requirements for AFCIs and GFCIs
3.1
AFCI Requirements in the 2008 National Electrical Code
Many electrical appliances and devices create arcs during normal operation, such as snap
switches, contactors, motors with brushes, etc. Unintentional arcs or arc-faults can lead to
elevated temperatures and sparking that can ignite combustible materials in close proximity to
the heating. Causes of arc-faults include:
•
Cracked conductor insulation due to natural aging.
•
Overheated conductors from exposure to sunlight or sources of heat.
•
Overloaded conductors.
•
Loose or improper connections and terminations.
•
Damaged conductor insulation from fasteners such as staples, nails, and screws driven
into the conductor.
•
Damaged conductors at stress points such as cords caught under doors or furniture, or
objects pushed against plugs in an outlet.
•
Faulty electrical equipment.
Hidden electrical fires caused by arc-faults can spread rapidly, delaying detection by smoke
alarms and reducing the chances of survival. AFCIs are intended to provide protection from early
detection of arc-faults. AFCI circuitry differentiates between arcs from normal equipment
operation and arc-faults.
The requirements to install AFCIs in newly-constructed dwelling units depend on which edition
of the National Electrical Code has been adopted for regulatory use in that jurisdiction.
3.1.1 AFCIs
Required
A.
Listed, combination-type AFCIs must be installed in dwelling units to protect each
single-phase 120 Volt branch circuit rated 15 A and 20 A that supply outlets in the
following rooms [NEC 210.12]:
1) Family
rooms
2) Dining
rooms
3) Living
rooms
