AFCI/GFCI upgrade

[zstarch]

I am upgrading a large residence to AFCI and tamper proof receptacles .
Question;
In kitchen and baths, it seems I can go two ways;
1. Remove the existing GFCI recept and replace with tamper proof GFCI and install AFCI in panel
2. Replace Local GFCI receptacle with standard tamper proof recept and put dual function AFCI/GFCI breaker in panel
It seems, since I would have to replace the local GFCI with tamper proof GFCI, along with the other receptacles, option 2 might be easier and cheaper. Is there any code preference or other consideration here?

Second. Can I replace the receptacles in these areas with 20 amp versus 15 amp if the branch circuit is 20 amp breaker with #12 wire? It seems they would be better for hair dryers, toasters and other high current loads. Or can 20 amp only be used where there is a single receptacle on the circuit like a washer or fridge?

General note. The panels are Square D QO 200 amp (two of them) All wiring is either in EMT or MC cable and metal boxes.

 

[user 100]

I am upgrading a large residence to AFCI and tamper proof receptacles .
Question;
In kitchen and baths, it seems I can go two ways;
1. Remove the existing GFCI recept and replace with tamper proof GFCI and install AFCI in panel
2. Replace Local GFCI receptacle with standard tamper proof recept and put dual function AFCI/GFCI breaker in panel
It seems, since I would have to replace the local GFCI with tamper proof GFCI, along with the other receptacles, option 2 might be easier and cheaper. Is there any code preference or other consideration here?

Second. Can I replace the receptacles in these areas with 20 amp versus 15 amp if the branch circuit is 20 amp breaker with #12 wire? It seems they would be better for hair dryers, toasters and other high current loads. Or can 20 amp only be used where there is a single receptacle on the circuit like a washer or fridge?

General note. The panels are Square D QO 200 amp (two of them) All wiring is either in EMT or MC cable and metal boxes.

If the wiring method is as you said it is, you may not even need to touch the panel- see 210.12(5). You would be able to install an obc afci at the first outlet. For the kitchen in this instance, you would be able to put in an afci/gfci receptacle at the first outlet feeding the circuit for that area.

Now if you don't want to fool with any of that and just want to stick with your original plan, afci/gfci breakers where necessary with standard TP receptacles are perfectly fine and legal. Some customers have an issue with convienence (having to go reset breaker if gfci trips- not really a big deal though for most people)and have heard here that some ahjs do actually require the gfci receptacle to be visible in commercial kitchens.

AFCI is not required for the bath, so you could just put in new gfci receptacles there.

And lastly, a little food for thought about the 20 amp receptacles- the guts in most 15 and 20 amp receptacles are identical- the only difference is the face.......

Code refs from 2014.

 

[zstarch]

AFCI/GFCI

AFCI/GFCI

Thanks for the info. Very useful.

If the wiring method is as you said it is, you may not even need to touch the panel- see 210.12(5). You would be able to install an obc afci at the first outlet. For the kitchen in this instance, you would be able to put in an afci/gfci receptacle at the first outlet feeding the circuit for that area.

Now if you don't want to fool with any of that and just want to stick with your original plan, afci/gfci breakers where necessary with standard TP receptacles are perfectly fine and legal. Some customers have an issue with convienence (having to go reset breaker if gfci trips- not really a big deal though for most people)and have heard here that some ahjs do actually require the gfci receptacle to be visible in commercial kitchens.

AFCI is not required for the bath, so you could just put in new gfci receptacles there.

And lastly, a little food for thought about the 20 amp receptacles- the guts in most 15 and 20 amp receptacles are identical- the only difference is the face.......

Code refs from 2014.

 

[peter d]

Just a little nit pick here - try to get away from the "tamper proof" terminology. They are definitely not tamper proof, only tamper resistant.

 

[brantmacga]

I never use GFI breakers for a bathroom....... how pissed would your wife be if the GFI tripped while she's getting ready, and then has to walk all the way to the panel ?!?


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