Dual Function Breaker Requirements

[BatmanisWatching1987]

I got a comment for a 3rd party inspector for a dwelling unit, stating the following,
"Dual function breakers are needed in any location GFI's are not accessible. Locations such as Washer/Dryer, Refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal areas."

Shouldn't the Electrician just install AFCI based on 210.12(A).

What is the purchase of installing a dual function breaker? Is the dual function breaker required by code or is it better off just to install the dual function breaker

The only piece of equipment which is not 20A is the Combo Washer/Dryer, since it requires a 50A/208V/1P breaker.

 

[electrofelon]

The inspector's wording is a bit sloppy and not technically correct, but in practice essentially true. Those areas you mention (except possible the fridge) require GFCI protection for a receptacle, and a dishwasher even if hardwired. They could be protected by a GFCI receptacle in a readily accessible area or a dual function breaker.

 

[BatmanisWatching1987]

The inspector's wording is a bit sloppy and not technically correct, but in practice essentially true. Those areas you mention (except possible the fridge) require GFCI protection for a receptacle, and a dishwasher even if hardwired. They could be protected by a GFCI receptacle in a readily accessible area or a dual function breaker.

So a GFCI is the minimum requirement based on section 210.8.

It is not required to install a dual function breaker in the locations mentioned above.

 

[electrofelon]

So a GFCI is the minimum requirement based on section 210.8.

It is not required to install a dual function breaker in the locations mentioned above.

There is no specific requirement in the NEC for the use of dual function breakers, it is just often the most practical for areas that need both afci and GFCI protection.

 

[Little Bill]

Those areas mentioned require both GFCI and AFCI protection, unless your area has amendments or is on an earlier code cycle not requiring them. The simplest, and most likely the cheapest in those areas is to use the dual function breaker. You could use an AFCI breaker and a GFCI receptacle but that would cost more. A dual function breaker is only a couple of dollars more than just a GFCI. The inspector could have expressed that better and more clear. There is no requirement to use a DF, but most times it is to your advantage.

 

[xformer]

Is there a difference between an outlet being GFCI protected and a receptacle being gfci protected?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Is there a difference between an outlet being GFCI protected and a receptacle being gfci protected?

No, but there is a difference with afci. The afci should in many cases protect the entire circuit unless it is a remodel job. So one could have an afci breaker with a gfci receptacle instead of a dual function unit

 

[Little Bill]

Is there a difference between an outlet being GFCI protected and a receptacle being gfci protected?

Depends on what is being required to be GFCI protected. A receptacle is also an outlet.

 

[xformer]

Depends on what is being required to be GFCI protected. A receptacle is also an outlet.

But an outlet is not a receptacle. IMHO an outlet requiring GFCI protection must be protected by a device further upstream.

 

[Little Bill]

But an outlet is not a receptacle. IMHO an outlet requiring GFCI protection must be protected by a device further upstream.

You just said the same thing I said but in different words! Plus, an outlet CAN be a receptacle.

 

[kwired]

But an outlet is not a receptacle. IMHO an outlet requiring GFCI protection must be protected by a device further upstream.

210.8 (A) and (B) exclusively cover receptacle outlets that require GFCI protection.

Other specific "outlets" requiring GFCI protection are covered by different sections of code.