nec first introduced afci protection to the code in 2014.
when did the nec first introduce afci protection to the code?
2014
the national electrical code has been updated for 2014 and it addresses the use of outlet branch circuit (obc) arc fault circuit interrupter (afci) receptacles as an alternative to breakers when used for modifications/ extensions, as replacement receptacles or in new construction. afci receptacles work to address the dangers associated with potentially hazardous arcing conditions (parallel arcs and series arcs) by interrupting power to arcing devices, e.g. a damaged appliance cord, that might otherwise not draw enough current to trip the primary circuit protection device. afci protection is mandated by the 2014 code in residential family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, kitchens, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, laundry rooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways or similar rooms. they are also required in dormitory units. afci receptacles look similar to gfci receptacles in that they have a test and reset button on the face of the device for localized testing. this saves a homeowner a trip to the breaker panel should the device trip. unlike gfci breakers, afci receptacles can be used on any wiring system, regardless of the panel. when installed as the first receptacle on a branch circuit, afci receptacles provide series arc protection for the entire branch circuit. they also provide parallel arc protection for the branch circuit starting at the afci receptacle.
nema connector
another safety device introduced with the 1999 code is the arc-fault circuit interrupter (afci). this device detects arcs from hot to neutral that can develop when insulation between wires becomes frayed or damaged. while arcs from hot to neutral would not trip a gfci device since current is still balanced, circuitry in an afci device detects those arcs and will shut down a circuit. afci devices generally replace the circuit breaker in the circuit. as of the 1999 national electrical code, afci protection is required in new construction on all 15- and 20-amp, 125-volt circuits to bedrooms.
national electrical code