Requirements for residential arc-fault protection were
first mandated in the 1999 Code cycle and have been expanded in every
Code cycle since. Until now, electrical professionals have had to rely
upon circuit breaker based devices to address these requirements.
While AFCI breakers serve their purpose, there are many situations
where a receptacle based AFCI device is not only preferable, it is the
only viable solution to providing arc-fault protection at a reasonable
cost. This article explores how these exciting new devices work, their
applications, and where they are allowed by Code. Article 210.12 of the National Electrical Code® (NEC®)
mandates AFCI protection in residential family rooms, dining rooms,
living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation
rooms, closets, hallways or similar rooms. What is an Arc Fault? Unlike GFCI’s that provide
personal protection to people by detecting current leakage and quickly
disconnecting power, AFCI’s protect physical structures from fires and
related hazards by detecting arcing and quickly cutting off power.
Advantages of AFCI Receptacles. Those of us that are old enough to remember the introduction of GFCI receptacles can recall how they offered many solutions and were quickly embraced by contractors and homeowners alike. Today almost everyone is familiar with and enjoy the safety benefits of GFCI receptacles. AFCI receptacles can offer many of the same advantages:
Level of Protection: Leviton’s OBC AFCI receptacle is a UL listed device which addresses the dangers associated with both types of hazardous arcing – parallel and series arcing. Similar to GFCI’s, AFCI receptacles provide feed-through protection and are able to detect downstream arc-faults, both parallel and series, as well as upstream series arc faults. Certain standard magnetic circuit breakers can be relied upon for upstream parallel fault protection thereby effectively fulfilling entire branch circuit protection as long as the AFCI receptacle is installed within 50 feet of the breaker when using standard 12 gauge wire and within 70 feet for 14 gauge wire. The National Electrical Code – 2011 Code Cycle Effective January 1, 2014,
Article 406.4 states that where a receptacle outlet is supplied by a
branch circuit that requires arc-fault circuit interrupter protection
[210.12(A)], a replacement receptacle at this outlet must be one of the
following: The National Electrical Code - 2014 Code Cycle:
Complying with these
requirements effectively protects the entire branch circuit from Series
and Parallel faults and satisfies NEC requirements. Therefore the
limitations placed on AFCI receptacles in the 2011 Code will largely be
overcome once the 2014 Code takes effect. Leviton SmartlockPro® OBC AFCI Receptacle Meets Full Compliance.
Leviton enjoys the benefit of having a UL Certified Test Lab within
its Melville NY Corporate headquarters which happens to be located
directly across the street from UL’s Melville Office. These logistic
advantages allow timely and open communication when bringing products
to market. Leviton’s OBC AFCI
receptacle is already UL certified and certifications toward compliance
with all mainstream breakers is already underway to meet the 2014 NEC
mandates. Leviton SmartlockPro OBC AFCI Receptacle First to the Market:
Ever since AFCI requirements were first included in the NEC, many
manufacturers have claimed development of an AFCI receptacle. However
these devices have never hit the distributor counter. Until now that
is. Leviton’s SmartlockPro AFCI is the result of many years and
Engineering man-hours. Once developed, much more time was devoted to
testing in varied environments and conditions. Leviton’s Vice
President of Codes, Standards and Compliance Steve Campolo, comments:
“The SmartlockPro AFCI receptacle project was challenging on many
levels, but the result was equally rewarding. We believe we perfected
the technology and offer an extremely reliable and highly functional
device.” Leviton’s SmartlockPro AFCI receptacle is the only AFCI receptacle on the market today! SmartlockPro AFCI Features:
What This All Means to Electrical Professionals:
Where to buy:
Leviton OBC AFCI Receptacles are already available at select Leviton
distributor locations. As production catches up with demand, you will
see these great devices at Leviton distributors and Home Centers near
you! |
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