Replacing bedroom outlets, need AFCI?

[exranger06]

My wife and I are expecting our first little one in a few months and I'm getting the bedroom/nursery ready with new paint and stuff. I'm going to redo all the connections to the outlets (they're all back-stabbed ) and also thinking about replacing the outlets for a color that isn't ugly. Do I need to install AFCI outlets to be up to code, or am I grandfathered in if I'm just replacing like for like? I'll probably install AFCIs regardless for the added safety, but was curious if I had to.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Let us know where you live. The NEC says they are required, but (assuming you're in the US) some parts of the country have local regulations saying they aren't needed.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

AFCIs are snake oil. I wouldnt even bother!

BTW what brand of panel do u have?

 

[pattenp]

NEC states if the branch circuit wiring is modified, replaced or extended then AFCI protection is required. Replacing outlets is not modifying, replacing or extending the wiring.

 

[exranger06]

I live in CT, New Haven county. I have a Cutler Hammer/Eaton CH panel.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

NEC states if the branch circuit wiring is modified, replaced or extended then AFCI protection is required. Replacing outlets is not modifying, replacing or extending the wiring.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Depending on how and when the house was wired an afci breaker might not work anyway,Id just install the tamper resistant outlets if your existing outlets are grounded and call it a day.

 

[checkthisout]

NEC states if the branch circuit wiring is modified, replaced or extended then AFCI protection is required. Replacing outlets is not modifying, replacing or extending the wiring.

Not true under 2014 NEC.

If you replace an outlet and AFCI's are required under your current codes, then you must replace the outlet with an AFCI outlet or change out the breaker or protect the first outlet in the circuit with an AFCI outlet.

It must also be tamper-proof under 2014 NEC as well.

 

[justsam]

Sounds like it depends on what code cycle your jurisdiction is on.

In terms of protecting a little one, I would be more inclined to install a GFCI breaker, or a GFCI receptacle at the head end of the bedroom circuit. They can offer a little shock protection, along with tamper proof. The AFCI really does not.

If you are required to have AFCI than it can be a breaker, and the GFCI at the head end of the circuit. Note that code does not require the GFCI, but there is nothing wrong with exceeding the minimum requirement.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Not true under 2014 NEC.

If you replace an outlet and AFCI's are required under your current codes, then you must replace the outlet with an AFCI outlet or change out the breaker or protect the first outlet in the circuit with an AFCI outlet.

It must also be tamper-proof under 2014 NEC as well.

This is my understanding as well. Connecticut finally adopted the 2014 NEC so this should apply for the original poster.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Weve been under the tamper proof rule since 2008 around here for outlets.

 

[pattenp]

Not true under 2014 NEC.

If you replace an outlet and AFCI's are required under your current codes, then you must replace the outlet with an AFCI outlet or change out the breaker or protect the first outlet in the circuit with an AFCI outlet.

It must also be tamper-proof under 2014 NEC as well.

Please reference the code section that says if an outlet is replaced it has to be with an AFCI.
I found it. 406.4(D)(4) was effective Jan 1 2014. I am still on 2011 in my head on somethings.

 

[checkthisout]

Please reference the code section that says if an outlet is replaced it has to be with an AFCI.

406.4(d)

(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Where a receptacle outlet is supplied by a branch circuit that requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection as specified elsewhere in this Code, a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following:
(1) A listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter receptacle
(2) A receptacle protected by a listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter type receptacle
(3) A receptacle protected by a listed combination type arc-fault circuit-interrupter type circuit breaker

And, it must be Tamper-Proof as well.

Of course, this all depends on what year of NEC applies in his area. A tamper proof outlet is definitely required whereas the arc fault may not.

 

[Ilikeike]

406.4(d)

(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Where a receptacle outlet is supplied by a branch circuit that requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection as specified elsewhere in this Code, a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following:
(1) A listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter receptacle
(2) A receptacle protected by a listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter type receptacle
(3) A receptacle protected by a listed combination type arc-fault circuit-interrupter type circuit breaker

And, it must be Tamper-Proof as well.

Of course, this all depends on what year of NEC applies in his area. A tamper proof outlet is definitely required whereas the arc fault may not.

I thought that was for replacement of a receptacle on an existing AFCI. Not for instance if someone wanted to replace a worn out 2 prong outlet in the bedroom of a 50 or 60 0yr old two wire home or replacing a broken outlet in a home built before AFCI was required.

 

[checkthisout]

I thought that was for replacement of a receptacle on an existing AFCI. Not for instance if someone wanted to replace a worn out 2 prong outlet in the bedroom of a 50 or 60 0yr old two wire home or replacing a broken outlet in a home built before AFCI was required.

If it was an existing AFCI, the circuit would already be protected by an AFCI breaker.

 

[Gotcha640]

I have nothing to add regarding codes, but regarding kids, my 4 year old isn't out of my sight long enough to go sticking her fingers near an outlet. My 1 year old gets her hand slapped when she looks at an outlet with a gleam in her eye, and I laugh when the big one uses my voice to tell the little one "No Kate, THATS NOT FOR YOU!!!"

 

[checkthisout]

My parents had similar policy before I stuck a paperclip in an outlet the first time.

The second time was a zipper on my coat.

It didn't deter me from wanting to become a lineman but somehow I became an auto mechanic instead.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

My parents had similar policy before I stuck a paperclip in an outlet the first time.

The second time was a zipper on my coat.

It didn't deter me from wanting to become a lineman but somehow I became an auto mechanic instead.

I melted down a brand new pair of my moms tweezers when I was 4-5,Is it any wonder I grew up to be an electrical/mechanical contractor?

 

[HoosierBuddy]

I melted down a brand new pair of my moms tweezers when I was 4-5,Is it any wonder I grew up to be an electrical/mechanical contractor?

This is an interesting point!

Where are the electricians of the future going to come from when we no longer let our kids get that "hands on" experience with 120 volts that we all had?

Phil

 

[danfromsyr]

still stuck my finger in a light socket on occasion (or was it a dare?)
I've had brilliant ideas since childhood it seems.

 

[slow]

my son got zapped twice when he pulled out my laptop power cord part way and grabbed the prongs. I figured he would have learned after the first, but now he stay away from plugs.

 

[ripperd]

I shut a metal typewriter cover over a power cord when I was younger. Didn't see it and couldn't figure out why it took so much force to shut. Then a giant spark and the lights went out and I was like WTF? Scared me a lot but I didn't get a jolt.

 

[Gidge]

AFCIs are snake oil. I wouldnt even bother!

+1 -- New doesn't always mean better.

 

[86turbodsl]

All these new rules make you wonder how we ever all made it to adulthood huh?

Personally, i ignore the AFCI and tamperproof codes. On my own stuff anyway.

 

[Syberia]

All these new rules make you wonder how we ever all made it to adulthood huh?

Personally, i ignore the AFCI and tamperproof codes. On my own stuff anyway.

You won't see any AFCIs or tamper proof receptacles in my home either. Back when I didn't know what they were, I accidentally bought a few tamper proof outlets, installed them, wondered why the hell I couldn't actually plug anything into them, and back to the store they went.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Let us know where you live. The NEC says they are required, but (assuming you're in the US) some parts of the country have local regulations saying they aren't needed.

Yup. It used to be local codes could not undercut the NEC. They could only be more restrictive. The NEC was considered to be the "Minimum Standard". That statement was pretty much all but removed over the years.

Either way, if you're doing it yourself, you didn't pull a permit and no one is inspecting it I'd just replace them with the same as you already have...

Tommy

 

[VHF]

So did we conclude whether it is OK to replace an existing receptacle with a new receptacle of the same type without adding AFCI?

It seems to me that an existing circuit that was installed before AFCI was required in a given jurisdiction is not a circuit that requires AFCI, therefore it is OK to replace existing receptacles with like. A circuit installed, modified, or extended after the AFCI requirement would require AFCI protection.

Prohibiting simple replacement of a broken receptacle would not enhance electrical safety!

 

[Norcal]

The 2014 NEC requires AFCI's when replacements are done & tamper resistant ones are required also.

 

[Syberia]

The 2014 NEC requires AFCI's when replacements are done & tamper resistant ones are required also.

406.3(D)(4)

(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Where a receptacle outlet is supplied by a branch circuit that requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection as specified elsewhere in this Code, a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following:
(1) 
A listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter receptacle
(2) 
A receptacle protected by a listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter type receptacle
(3) 
A receptacle protected by a listed combination type arc-fault circuit-interrupter type circuit breaker

Grandfathered circuits don't "require AFCI protection as specified elsewhere in this code." In fact they can't, because the code isn't retroactive like that. Therefore, no AFCI required on device replacement

 

[checkthisout]

Grandfathered circuits don't "require AFCI protection as specified elsewhere in this code." In fact they can't, because the code isn't retroactive like that. Therefore, no AFCI required on device replacement

Totally incorrect.

Why would they tell you that it's ok to replace an outlet on a gfci circuit with an afci outlet.

Among other things.

 

[Norcal]

Grandfathered circuits don't "require AFCI protection as specified elsewhere in this code." In fact they can't, because the code isn't retroactive like that. Therefore, no AFCI required on device replacement

The requirement to add AFCI's, GFCI's, & tamper resistant receptacles only comes into play when the devices are replaced, until then they do not require updating.

 

[Syberia]

The code references the branch circuit that supplies the receptacle, not the receptacle itself. And if the branch circuit is grandfathered to not require AFCI, the code can be read as stating that replacement of a receptacle attached to that circuit is exempt.

 

[checkthisout]

The code references the branch circuit that supplies the receptacle, not the receptacle itself.

Meanwhile, you have 15 days to perform corrections and bring your work into compliance.


Here are the rules spelled out for laymen.

1) If you modify the branch circuit wiring and you're under 2014 NEC, you have to install an arc fault Circuit breaker. Or, you can use an AFCI outlet at the first receptacle provided it's the first device in the circuit I.E. no light switches and whatever in between and the wiring is in conduit up to that point.

2) If you replace a receptacle you have 3 options. 1) You can install an AFCI receptacle at that point and be done or 2) you can install an AFCI outlet upstream to protect the outlet you are replacing and replace it with a normal outlet 3) You can replace the outlet and install an AFCI breaker at the origin of the circuit.

 

[Norcal]

The code references the branch circuit that supplies the receptacle, not the receptacle itself. And if the branch circuit is grandfathered to not require AFCI, the code can be read as stating that replacement of a receptacle attached to that circuit is exempt.

Since I think that AFCI's are snake oil, I wish you were correct, but your not.

As long as any State is on a 2011 or earlier NEC edition, don't have to worry about it.

 

[Gerald O]

All these new rules make you wonder how we ever all made it to adulthood huh?

Well, the ones that didn't make it aren't around to talk about it on the forum now are they.
Just saying...

 

[RAYJAY]

how is any one going to know you changed a couple of plugs in a room ????

being it a kids room i would do the tamper proof as for anything else...... why even worry about it

 

[checkthisout]

how is any one going to know you changed a couple of plugs in a room ????

being it a kids room i would do the tamper proof as for anything else...... why even worry about it

They wouldn't and I probably wouldn't worry about it unless you're remodeling to sell.

That's why I had to worry about it. We wanted permits to help the resale value. We replaced all the outlets and did some wiring repairs and failed because no AFCI's. I made a thread about it.

I ended up just getting AFCI breakers.

Oh, and GFCI outlet update applies as well. So any outlet that your current code says need GFCI needs to be upgraded to that if you replace the receptacle. Same deal. You can go gfi breaker or protect the upstream outlet so that any downstream outlets are protected.

 

[checkthisout]

1 more tip. It's easiest just to install an AFCI breaker. The outlets necessitate labeling of all the downstream outlets telling you which outlet has the AFCI installed. For $6.00 more, the breaker is worth it.

 

[Gerald O]

You can use a combo AFCI/GFCI breaker and take care of both concerns at once.

 

[exranger06]

Yeah so I think my plan is to replace the outlets with regular (non-AFCI) tamper resistant outlets, and eventually replace the breakers with AFCI breakers. One of the circuits that feeds the bedroom also feeds the garage and some outside lights, so I'll get a combo AFCI/GFCI breaker for that circuit.