Built 2000. Arc fault interruptorshould now be installed?

[Robert Gift]

Change circuit breakers to arc fault interruptors?
Or change outlets?
Which is le$$?
In what order of importance?
Thank you.

 

[Robert Gift]

Forgethat. $56 each AFCI circuit breaker at Home Depot
$23 outlet AFCI ivory. $30 white.

Myvorkbench should be first AFCI because that is most likely where an arc will occur.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Afjes]

Although you can use a AFCI type receptacle as your first receptacle instead of a AFCI breaker you need to check the requirements of that first receptacle.
Such as the max length the receptacle may be from the panel
Type of box the receptacle may be in such as only metal
Type of circuit from panel to first receptacle where the aFCI will be may be required to be of AC, MC, conduit etc and may not be romex
First receptacle must be clearly marked.
Etc

I don't have a recent copy of the NEC. Although the receptacle may seem cheaper, once you start adding up the costs of placing a AFCI receptacle it may be cheaper and easier to bite the bullet and install an AFCI breaker.
Also besides what the NEC may require you have to check what code cycle your AHJ is on and see if they have any further requirements but looking back at 2014 code it does show this so I don't think they removed the requirements; may just have added more possibly.

I would do some reading online about it first. If you don't do the AFCI receptacle properly you won't get the full protection that you are looking for.

Maybe someone here who has a newer copy of the NEC can chime in.

 

[Norcal01]

Change circuit breakers to arc fault interruptors?
Or change outlets?
Which is le$$?
In what order of importance?
Thank you.

The requirements for AFCI's first appeared in the 1999 NEC, & did not take effect until Jan 1, 2002, for dwelling unit bedroom outlets only, CODES ARE NOT RETROACTIVE, a build in 2000 did not require them, and since there is no way you or anyone else can prove they work, unlike GFCI's which do work well, I would not bother to install them, they were not required at the time of build.

See 210.12(b) NEC 1999 edition.

 

[Robert Gift]

The requirements for AFCI's first appeared in the 1999 NEC, & did not take effect until Jan 1, 2002, for dwelling unit bedroom outlets only, CODES ARE NOT RETROACTIVE, a build in 2000 did not require them, and since there is no way you or anyone else can prove they work, unlike GFCI's which do work well, I would not bother to install them, they were not required at the time of build.

See 210.12(b) NEC 1999 edition.

Thank you.
Are AFCIs to shut off electricity before and arc can cause a hot enough spark to ignite flammables in a bedroom?
Thought they would first be placed in the kitchen.

 

[Afjes]

Change circuit breakers to arc fault interruptors?
Or change outlets?
Which is le$$?
In what order of importance?
Thank you.

What specifically is your question?
Are AFCIs required in a kitchen?
What circuits require AFCI protection?
Which are better AFCI breakers or receptacles?
Which cost less?

Are asking because you are doing a new build/construction?
Are you doing a renovation and want to know if AFCI protection is required on a specific circuit?

The NEC has requirements for AFCI protection on certain circuits and your local AHJ may have additional requirements.

Please be more specific.

 

[Fitter30]

Installing breakers don't have to figure out how or which is the first outlet to feed downstream devices.
2017 nec code
The remaining areas where AFCI protection is not required and is optional are: Garages ( if laundry area is in garage, AFCI for laundry area only).
Attics, crawl space, uninhabited basement areas.
Outdoor receptacles and outdoor circuits.
Sump pumps and septic pumps. (hard wire or single receptacle only)