NEMA Publishes Smoke Alarms and Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters Compatibility Paper

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published NEMA ABP 11-2016 Compatibility between Smoke Alarms and Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters. The purpose of this paper is to explain that an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) provides increased fire protection for electrical installation. There is no evidence that the circuit supplying smoke alarms should be exempt from these increased protection requirements. Power supply reliability for smoke alarms is not impacted by the installation of an AFCI.

Originally developed by the NEMA Molded-Case Circuit Breakers Committee, revisions were made to bring the document up to date with the latest testing references and requirements, and to align with current terminology and industry practices.

NEMA ABP 11-2016 may be downloaded at no cost on the NEMA website.