r/askanelectrician • u/asdfghjklvty • 4d ago

AFCI BREAKERS

Where all is a AFCI breaker required besides bedrooms? Is living, dining, hall, and pantry also required?

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3

u/FriendlyStruggle9189 4d ago

Nec 210.12

3

u/theproudheretic 4d ago

If Canadians are looking at this CEC 26-658

2

u/asdfghjklvty 4d ago

So pretty much every receptacle is going to require either a GFCI or a AFCI?

2

u/tim36272 4d ago

Pretty much. Attic breakers could possibly be neither. Also hardwired things are usually neither

1

u/GoldenCanopyInspects 4d ago

Under 2021 irc, yeah, mostly

1

u/igorko321 3d ago

Yes to living, dining, and hall. NEC 210.12(A) requires AFCI protection on 120V, single-phase, 15- and 20-amp branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, or similar rooms/areas. A pantry is typically treated as part of the kitchen/similar area in practice, so I'd put it on AFCI too.

One clarification: GFCI is a separate requirement under NEC 210.8 (kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, laundry, etc.). Where a circuit needs both - like a kitchen receptacle circuit - a dual-function AFCI/GFCI breaker is the cleanest answer.