Non-Grounding-Type Receptacle Replacement

[T-Wragg]

I am replacing some non-grounding type receptacles in a house. An equipment grounding conductor does not exist in the receptacle enclosure. The house was built in the late 1950s. NEC 406.4 (D) (2) list three options for replacement. It does not list an AFCI receptacle as a replacement option. Does 406.4 (D) (4) also require AFCI protection for these receptacles that are being replaced. Thank you, Trent.

 

[petersonra]

I am replacing some non-grounding type receptacles in a house. An equipment grounding conductor does not exist in the receptacle enclosure. The house was built in the late 1950s. NEC 406.4 (D) (2) list three options for replacement. It does not list an AFCI receptacle as a replacement option. Does 406.4 (D) (4) also require AFCI protection for these receptacles that are being replaced. Thank you, Trent.

The way I read it is this.

You can replace the receptacle with:

a non grounding type receptacle
or
a GFCI receptacle
or
a grounding receptacle supplied by a GFCI.

it does not say an AFCI style receptacle is a suitable replacement.

IMO, merely replacing an existing receptacle does not trigger any requirement to install AFCIs at all.

ETA: 2011

 

[jumper]

What code cycle?

2014

406.4(D)

(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.

(5) Tamper-Resistant Receptacles. Listed tamper-resistant
receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at
receptacle outlets that are required to be tamper-resistant elsewhere
in this Code.

 

[gadfly56]

What code cycle?

2014

406.4(D)

(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.

(5) Tamper-Resistant Receptacles. Listed tamper-resistant
receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at
receptacle outlets that are required to be tamper-resistant elsewhere
in this Code.

Here in NJ it wouldn't require an AFCI even if the circuit is one that would require AFCI protection if installed today. Under the rehab code, I don't think it would need to be TR either, but I'm less sure of that.

 

[Little Bill]

What code cycle?

2014

406.4(D)

(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.

(5) Tamper-Resistant Receptacles. Listed tamper-resistant
receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at
receptacle outlets that are required to be tamper-resistant elsewhere
in this Code.

Dumbest (almost) rule there is. Someone tried that here and the inspector said they would either have to install an AFCI breaker or replace the NM from the breaker to the first outlet with MC or conduit.
Now who is going to do all that just to replace a receptacle?

 

[T-Wragg]

I am in the 2011 code cycle. Thank you for your replies.