AFCI Definitions from UL 1699 (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters) and History of National Electrical Code (NEC) AFCI Requirements

AFCI Definitions Four of the relevant AFCI definitions from UL 1699 are: Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) - A device intended to mitigate the effects of arcing faults by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc-fault is detected. Branch/Feeder Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter - A device intended to be installed at the origin of a branch/circuit or feeder, such as at a panelboard. It is intended to provide protection of the branch/circuit wiring, feeder wiring, or both, against unwanted effects of arcing. This device also provides limited protection to branch circuit extension wiring. It may be a circuit-breaker type device or a device in its own enclosure mounted at or near a panelboard. Outlet Circuit Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter A device intended to be installed at a branch circuit outlet, such as at an outlet box. It is intended to provide protection of cord sets and power-supply cords connected to it (when provided with receptacle outlets) against the unwanted effects of arcing. This device may provide feed-through protection of the cord sets and power-supply cords connected to downstream receptacles. Combination Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter An AFCI which complies with the requirements for both Branch/Feeder and outlet circuit AFCIs. It is intended to protect downstream branch circuit wiring and cord sets and power-supply cords. National Electrical Code (NEC) Requirements NEC 1999 The National Electrical Code (NEC) first mandated the use of AFCIs in 1999 for the protection of branch circuits supplying bedroom receptacle outlets. The effective date was January 1, 2002. 210-12. Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection (A) Definition. An arc-fault circuit interrupter is a device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing the characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected. (B) Dwelling Unit Bedrooms. All branch circuits that supply 125-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacle circuits installed in dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by an arc-fault circuit interrupter(s). This requirement shall become effective January 1, 2002. NEC 2002 Protection was broadened from bedroom receptacles to bedroom outlets. There was additional stress on protection for the entire branch circuit. 210-12. Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection (A) Definition. An arc-fault circuit interrupter is a device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing the characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected. (B) Dwelling Unit Bedrooms. All branch circuits that supply 125-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by an arc-fault circuit interrupter listed to provide protection of the entire branch circuit. NEC 2005

Combination AFCIs were mandated for the protection of branch circuits supplying bedroom outlets, with the continued use of Branch/Feeder AFCIs being permitted until January 1, 2008. An exception, with requirements, was added for AFCIs located within 1.8 m of the loadcenter. 210-12. Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection (A) Definition. An arc-fault circuit interrupter is a device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing the characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected. (B) Dwelling Unit Bedrooms. All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type installed to provide protection of the branch circuit. Branch/feeder AFCIs shall be permitted to be used to meet the requirements of 210.12(B) until January 1, 2008. FPN: For information on types of Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters, see UL 1699 1999, Standard for Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters. Exception: The location of the arc-fault circuit interrupter shall be permitted to be at other than the origination of the branch circuit in compliance with (a) and (b): (a) (b) The arc-fault circuit interrupter installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the branch circuit overcurrent device as measured along the branch circuit conductors. The circuit conductors between the branch circuit overcurrent device and the arcfault circuit interrupter shall be installed in a metal raceway or a cable with a metallic sheath.

NEC 2008 The use of Combination AFCIs was expanded to many additional dwelling unit locations. Under specified conditions, Combination AFCIs were permitted to be located at the first outlet. 210-12. Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection (A) Definition. An arc-fault circuit interrupter is a device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing the characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected. Kitchen, bath room and garage are not
mandatory as per code.

(B) Dwelling Units All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20- ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun rooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.
The combination type AFCI trips at 5A series arc current and at 75A parallel arc current. If it is GFCI type also, it trips at 30 mA for equipment protection. For personnel protection, the GFCI is rated 5 mA (4-6 mA).

FPN: For information on types of Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters, see UL 1699 1999, Standard for Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters. Exception: Where RMC, IMC or EMT or steel armored cable, Type AC, meeting the requirements of 250.118, using metal outlet or junction boxes is installed for the portion of the branch circuit between the branch circuit overcurrent device and the first outlet, it shall be permitted to install a combination AFCI at the first outlet to provide protection for the remaining portion of the branch circuit. The AFCI installed at the first outlet shall also provide protection for any equipment connected to that outlet.

AFCIs are available with GFCI function also.

When protection from low-level fault currents for North American standards is required, two versions of protection are available.

Circuit Breakers with protection for personnel use a threshold of 5 mA sensing to provide protection for people. These are typically know as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters or GFCIs. Circuit Breakers that provide protection for equipment at a

sensing threshold of 30 mA are also available. These are typically known as Ground Fault Equipment Protectors or GFEPs.