Article 406.4

[czars]

As I understand it, the NEC requires that after 1/1/2014, replacement of receptacles that are on circuits that are required to be Arc fault protected will require that the circuit also be arc fault protected. Seems like a lot of folks with older service panels such as FPE, zinsco, etc will be in a hard place with no arc fault breakers available. Sounds like a lot of new service panels or sub panels will be required.

 

[dana1028]

Here's the code language:

(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters. Listed combination
arc-fault circuit-interrupter receptacles shall be provided
where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are
required to be so protected elsewhere in this code.

I don't see anything that says the circuit must be AFCI protected, just the receptacle must be an AFCI type.

 

[dwellselectric]

They have yet to come out with an arc fault receptacle yet so you would have to arc fault the circuit right?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

They have yet to come out with an arc fault receptacle yet so you would have to arc fault the circuit right?

No. The rule specifically calls for the use of an arc fault receptacle device. It is expected that at least two companies will have the arc fault receptacles on the market by the effective date of the rule.
The code language quoted is not what is in my book.

(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Where a receptacle outlet is supplied by a branch circuit that requires arc-fault circuit interrupter protection as specified
elsewhere in this Code, a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following:
(1) A listed outlet branch circuit type arc-fault circuit interrupter receptacle
(2) A receptacle protected by a listed 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
This requirement becomes effective January 1, 2014.

The problem I have is that it appears that the receptacle AFCI device is of the branch circuit type and not of the combination type. If these terms mean the same thing as they do for breakers, then I don't see the value of the device. The protection most needed on the load side of a receptacle is the combination type protection.