Code Q&A

Mar 23, 2005 9:49 AM, By Mike Holt

                

Q. What outlets in a dwelling unit are required to be AFCI protected?

A. All 15A or 20A, 120V branch circuits that supply outlets in dwelling unit bedrooms must be protected by a listed AFCI device [210.12(B)]. According to Art. 100, an outlet is a point in the wiring system where electric current is taken to supply a load. This would include receptacle outlets, lighting outlets, and outlets for paddle fans and smoke detectors.

Note: The 120V circuit limitation means that AFCI protection isn’t required for equipment rated 230V, such as a baseboard heater or room air-conditioner equipment.

Got a question for Mike? E-mail him at mike@mikeholt.com.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!

© 2009 Penton Media, Inc.

resources

Select Newsletter G-Biz CodeWatch eTRAIN electricalZONE PQNewsBeat MROInsider Product NewsWire Select EC&M Book National Electrial Code Books EC&M's Practical Guides Conduit Bending Electrical Topics of Interest Stallcup's Books OSHA Electrical Wholesaling Books Select Special Report Top 40 Design Firms Top 50 Contractors Product of the Year 100 Years of EC&M Select Webinar Trade-Offs With Arc Flash Safety, Selective Coordination and Protection Costs and Causes of Hidden Power Quality Problems Arc Flash/HRG Technology's role in prevention 3 A’s of Arc Flash Dramatic Changes to the Residential Load Center

product info tradeshow research rss