Which rooms require afci

The power strip strapped to the headboard certainly makes it more convenient to plug in the Ipad charger with a short charging cord. Hopefully the circuit has AFCI protection.

All volt, single-phase, and ampere branch circuits supplying outlets and devices installed in dormitory unit bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, closets, bathrooms , and similar rooms shall be protected by any of the means described in This may wear down the cord as they rub against the wire or subject it to bending.

All this may cause the cable to get frayed with time. Third, another reason for arc faults can be, for example, a nail that goes through the wire in the walls. It is interesting to note that older AFCI outlets could not provide the best protection against arc faults. Because they were relatively new technology back, then they were not able to detect series arc faults. They were also known to ghost trip frequently. Which means they tripped without an apparent reason for that.

Later on, that was improved as the newer combination AFCIs were introduced, which offered protection against both electrical arcing types. According to the National Electrical Code NEC , all dwelling room outlets installed on 15 to 20 amperage electrical circuits must be with arc fault protection. If your AFCI outlet or breaker trips frequently, this may signify a potential problem and needs to be inspected as soon as possible.

Such signs should never be overlooked or ignored, as this may expose you or your home to risk. An AFCI outlet may frequently trip due to:. The NEC has specific requirements for what type of electrical protection needs to be installed in different rooms and areas. Hubert Miles is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. ORG for the complete code section. Guest Rooms and Guest Suites. You may be thinking of GFCI.

There are certain loads you don't want on those kinds of "protective" circuits, the apocryphal example being a fire pump. Our sprinkler system's diesel doesn't have any low-water, low-oil or overheat shutoff safety systems, we want the engine saving the building at any cost - not tripping to save itself while the building burns down.

Harper he might be thinking AFCI Arc Flash Circuit Interrupter if memory serves me right homes built after I think are required to have them for household outlets but I don't think they are required on fixed circuits as there is no PLUG to arc when it is old.

They are notorious for tripping on any kind of jitter - such as simply plugging in a vacuum cleaner in the outlet while its power switch is still in the 'on' position. AFCI'S were originally only required in bedrooms. Since the original requirement they have expanded the reason for them. Well you look at the stats for electrical fires: the vast majority start with shorts and arcing not prevented by circuit breakers Show 2 more comments.

Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. To clarify, does dwelling areas include unfurnished basements? The spec calls out an average load of 6. Would peak power be that much higher? Depending on where your sump pump is located and its voltage it might be exempt.