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Thursday, January 19, 2023
Question:
Hello, thanks for providing this service. Are the requirements for AFCI protection in dwelling units only for outlets in the specified areas, or do they apply to the lights, and switches as well? Regards Steven Burgmann
A
Answer:
Steven, glad you are finding the CQD helpful. As it so often does in the world of Codes and Standards, it is all about the terminology. The requirements for dwelling unit AFCI protection found in Section 210.12(A) do apply to all “Outlets” in the specified areas. However, the word “Outlet” is often misused in the electrical industry. Article 100 defines the word “Outlet”: A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.
Utilization Equipment is defined as: Equipment that utilizes electrical energy for electronic, electro-mechanical, chemical, heating, lighting, or similar purpose.
The requirements found in Section 210.12(A) apply to ALL 120 volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-amp outlets in the specified areas. For example, in a dwelling unit bedroom the lighting outlets, receptacles outlets, smoke detector outlets, and even a baseboard heater outlet if its supply falls within the voltage and amperage parameters.