What circuits require arc fault protection
Rachel Hunter
Published Feb 13, 2026
16 states that AFCI protection is required for all 120-Volt, single phase, 15 and 20 amp branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, and similar rooms or areas.
Do all circuits have to be arc fault protected?
As of the 2014 NEC, AFCI protection is required on all branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens, along with the 2008 NEC additions of family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, and …
Does refrigerator require AFCI?
A modern refrigerator requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit. … This circuit usually does not require GFCI protection unless the outlet is within 6 feet of a sink or located in a garage or basement, but it generally does require AFCI protection.
Do lighting circuits need arc fault protection?
AFCI requirements. The NEC requires that virtually all branch circuits for lighting and receptacles in a home must have arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) protection. This is a form of protection that guards against sparking (arcing) and thereby reduces the chance of fire.Do outlets need to be arc fault protected?
No. The latest National Electrical Code requires both AFCI and GFCI protection only in kitchens and laundry rooms. And within those rooms, the Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Receptacle provides what is called “feed-through” protection, which means it provides protection for all wiring and extensions attached to the load side.
Do appliances need arc fault breakers?
Yes, you need AFCI protection As of the 2017 NEC, AFCI protection has been extended to all 15 and 20A, 120V branch circuit outlets in all dwelling unit locations. This includes dedicated appliances such as furnaces and dishwashers, and even smoke detector circuits.
Do kitchen circuits need to be arc fault?
All habitable rooms that contain 120 volt 15 or 20 Amp branch circuits require ARC-fault protection. This includes kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, or similar rooms or areas.
Does a washing machine need to be arc fault protected?
Therefore, by default, the clothes washing machine in a dwelling unit laundry area will be AFCI protected. Nearly every room/ area in a dwelling unit requires AFCI protection, so no matter where you put a clothes washer, it will be AFCI protected in a newer home.Does microwave need arc fault?
A dedicated 20-amp circuit is needed to feed the microwave oven. Since the appliance is plugged into an outlet, AFCI protection is required.
What circuits dont need AFCI?AFCI protection is not required for outlets located outside or in garages or bathroom areas. (B) All 15A or 20A, 120V branch circuits supplying outlets in dormitory unit bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, closets, bathrooms, or similar areas.
Article first time published onWhere are arc fault circuit breakers required?
AFCI protection is currently required for all 15 and 20 amp branch circuits providing power to outlets* in residential family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, and similar rooms or areas.
Where are arc fault breakers not required 2020?
As long as branch circuits are not extended more than 6 feet, AFCI protection is not required. In the 2020 NEC, a public input (code change proposal) was accepted to clarify “6 feet”.
What circuits require GFCI protection in residence?
The NEC mandates GFCI protection in many areas of the home: bathrooms, garages, outdoor receptacles, crawl spaces, basements, kitchens and anything within six feet of a sink or water source. While that may seem like a lot, the entirety of a home is not covered.
Can you put a GFCI receptacle on an arc fault breaker?
The 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) requires AFCI breakers in nearly all new construction. … They will not interfere with the operation of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, so it’s safe to install AFCIs on circuits that include GFCI outlets.
Does a dishwasher require a GFCI outlet?
The 2014 NEC has a new requirement for ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection of dishwashers in dwelling units. … The new requirement is for GFCI protection of “outlets” that supply dishwashers installed in dwelling-unit locations.
Does a dryer need a GFCI breaker?
First, receptacles installed to serve kitchen countertops must be GFCI protected. … Therefore, clothes dryers are now required to be GFCI protected because they are in the laundry area.
Do garbage disposals require AFCI?
The inclusion of AFCI protection in the kitchen includes the small appliance branch circuits, lighting and all individual appliance circuits, such as the garbage disposal, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator and range hood.
Does a refrigerator need a GFCI?
Residential Kitchen In a dwelling unit (residential), GFCI protection is only required for kitchen receptacles that serve the countertop surfaces. There’s no requirement to GFCI protect receptacles that serve a refrigerator. Unless the fridge is plugged into a countertop receptacle.
Does dryer require AFCI?
No — the 2014 NEC only calls out AFCIs for 120V, 15 and 20A outlets — the dryer is 240V, so it doesn’t need an AFCI. 210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection.
Why does my washer trip the GFCI?
To narrow this problem down, there are three places that could be causing the GFCI to trip, a malfunction in the washing machine, a problem with the downstream wiring (aka load side of the GFCI), or the GFCI outlet itself.
Can I use AFCI outlet instead of breaker?
Why would I use AFCI outlet instead of breaker? The AFCI outlet can be a great alternative depending on the circumstance. AFCI outlets work with any type of wiring and are not dependent on the type of breaker in the panel.
What rooms in dwelling require AFCI protection?
In the 2020 edition of the NEC®, Section 210.12 requires that for dwelling units, all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, …
How many 20 amp branch circuits are required in a residential kitchen for counter space receptacles?
CIRCUITS: The kitchen countertop areas must have receptacle outlets supplied by at least two (2) 20-ampere circuits.
What is the difference between AFCI and GFCI breakers?
The AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against fires caused by arcing faults. … The GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is designed to protect people from severe or fatal electric shocks.