Code Q&A

May 5, 2011
Q. What does the NEC require when replacing receptacles in locations that now require arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection?

Q. What does the NEC require when replacing receptacles in locations that now require arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection?

A. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, where a receptacle outlet is supplied by a branch circuit that requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection [210.12(A)], a replacement receptacle at this outlet must be one of the following [406.4(D)(4)]:

  1. A listed (receptacle) outlet branch circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter receptacle.
  2. A receptacle protected by a listed (receptacle) outlet branch circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter type receptacle.
  3. A receptacle protected by a listed combination type arc-fault circuit interrupter type circuit breaker.
About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.

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