J. Fritscher – March 22, 2024
There seems to be quite a bit of confusion surrounding the use of combination type arc fault circuit interrupter (ACFI) breakers these days, particularly when it comes to existing electrical installations. This brief write up will attempt to demystify when a homeowner or electrical contractor is required to install arc fault circuit protection on existing branch circuits.
As of this writing, the current National Electrical Code (NEC) is the NFPA 70 2023. The requirements of this code state that arc fault circuit protection is required in the following locations of all dwelling units: Kitchens, Family Rooms, Dining Rooms, Living Rooms, Parlors, Libraries, Dens, Bedrooms, Sunrooms, Recreation Rooms, Closets, Hallways, Laundry areas, Similar areas. That’s quite a list. The only thing we see missing is bathrooms!
So, AFCI protection is required pretty much throughout the home. But what does that mean for existing installations? Not to fear, it isn’t as difficult to decipher as we might expect.
The NEC states that if the branch circuit wiring in any of the areas listed above is modified, replaced or extended, the entire branch circuit must be protected by an AFCI device. This is a vague description, as modification is somewhat open to interpretation. For example, if a receptacle, light switch or light fixture is replaced, is the wiring modified? Technically, yes. Because the wiring was removed from one device and connected to a new one, the existing wiring installation has been modified. If that is the case, then AFCI protection would be required to be installed on that branch circuit.
Thankfully, the NEC has provided an exception to this requirement, which elaborates on exactly when an existing circuit must be provided with AFCI protection. The exception states that if additional devices are not installed to the branch circuit, or if the branch circuit wiring is not extended more than six feet, then AFCI protection shall not be required.
That means, if you are replacing receptacles, switches or lighting fixtures in any of the listed areas, you will not be required to install AFCI protection unless you install a new device off of the circuit, or if you move a device that requires more than 6’ of new wiring to be installed. That’s it!
So, if you’re a homeowner and an electrical contractor tells you that they may be required to install AFCI protection if they work on a branch circuit in your home, try not to imagine your service bill skyrocketing. They are simply informing you so they won’t surprise you with an additional charge if it is required. Now you can determine ahead of time whether that should be required or not. If you’re just having devices replaced, not to worry. If you need to move an outlet less than six feet away, no problem. You are only required to add protection if you are adding devices or extending circuits more than six feet.
Electrical contractors that inform you about this code requirement are covering all of the bases. Yes, you may have told them that all you need is to replace a few switches, but we often get out to a service call to “swap” out devices and then the homeowner asks us to relocate a device or install a new one. We are often misunderstood as trying to add unnecessary expense to your project, but most of us will do everything we can to help you avoid a large service bill.
We would like to note that just because an update can be avoided doesn’t necessarily mean it should be. Since the addition of arc fault protection requirements in homes, the number of electrical house fires has been reduced significantly. We always recommend that electrical installations be brought up to current code requirements when possible to ensure the safest environment for you and your family. When we come out to update your fixtures and devices, we will provide the option to update your circuit breakers as well, but we will never require it if the code allows an exception.