device replacement

[Daja7]

Question about replacing devices. I have been retired for a few years now so not current with code. Someone told me that if a homeowner needs a single or several receptacles just relaced for color or style that they now need to add AFCI protection? Is that right? that would turn a few hundred dollar project into a thousand dollar plus project. Is this correct?

 

[LarryFine]

Yep.

 

[infinity]

That is correct. If the replacement receptacles are installed in an area that requires GFCI protection then it must be installed when changing the device. If you're in NJ they have removed this from the code.

When you have a moment please update your profile to indicate your occupation and location.
Thanks!

 

[Daja7]

That is correct. If the replacement receptacles are installed in an area that requires GFCI protection then it must be installed when changing the device. If you're in NJ they have removed this from the code.

When you have a moment please update your profile to indicate your occupation and location.
Thanks!

I definitely understand the GFCI requirement but to have to make an entire circuit AFCI just because someone replaces one receptacle?
That seems a bit extreme.

 

[Daja7]

Yep.

Seems a bit extreme.

 

[infinity]

I definitely understand the GFCI requirement but to have to make an entire circuit AFCI just because someone replaces one receptacle?

That's not what the NEC requires. If you replaced a receptacle in a room that requires AFCI protection that only applies to the device that you're replacing.

 

[LarryFine]

Seems a bit extreme.

Yep.

 

[hbiss]

But it boosts AFCI profits.

-Hal

 

[LarryFine]

But it boosts AFCI profits.

Yep.

I tend to have a "don't ask/don't tell" attitude about such things.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I definitely understand the GFCI requirement but to have to make an entire circuit AFCI just because someone replaces one receptacle?
That seems a bit extreme.

You don't have to do that, the replacement receptacle can be an AFCI receptacle. List items one and two provide for the use of AFCI type receptacles, but list item three would permit the use of an AFCI circuit breaker.

406.4(D)
(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection.
If a receptacle located in any areas specified in 210.12(A), (B), or (C) is replaced, a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following:

(1) A listed outlet branch-circuit type AFCI receptacle
(2) A receptacle protected by a listed outlet branch-circuit type AFCI type receptacle
(3) A receptacle protected by a listed combination type AFCI circuit breaker