How Do You Determine When To Use Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (Af Circuit Breakers)?
• Determine the structure type. If circuits are installed in a space for use other than a dwelling unit, AFCI is not required (commercial and industrial spaces are not required to have AFCI protection). AFCI protection is required only in dwelling units (apartments, homes, manufactured homes, RVs and mobile homes). • Identify circuit destinations. All 120 volt / 15 or 20 amp branch circuits supplying outlets (includes both lighting outlets and receptacle outlets) in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc fault circuit interrupter. This means that nearly every habitable space in new homes are required to have this protection. • Determine if an exemption applies. Most fire and smoke alarm systems are prohibited from being connected to GFCI or AFCI circuits. Absent from the list of spaces that require AFCI protection are outdoors,
