Subpanel and receptacle replacing

[Damianb86]

Hi. Do I need to install arc fault breakers in main existing panel when I add subpanel and change receptacle and switches in single family home?


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[Dennis Alwon]

You don't have to change the existing breakers to afci when you just add a subpanel however you will have to add afci device or breakers if you change receptacles in areas which require afci. 406.4(D)(4)

 

[don_resqcapt19]

If the new subpanel adds 6 or more feet of cable to the existing branch circuits, the complete branch circuit will require AFCI protection if the circuits serve areas where AFCI is required.

If there is less than 6' increase in length of the branch, then as Dennis said the rule in 406 will require either outlet type AFCI protection or breaker type AFCI protection for the receptacles that are being replaced.