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==Electrical code requirements==
===US and Canada===
[[File:AFCI.jpg|thumb|upright=1|American-standard AFCI (Arc-fault circuit interrupter) unit circa 2018. The white 'pigtail' is a low-power neutral connection, hard-wired into the unit.]]
Starting with the 1999 version of the ''National Electrical Code'' in the United States, and the 2002 version of the ''Canadian Electrical Code'' in Canada, the national codes require AFCIs in all circuits that feed outlets in bedrooms of dwelling units. As of the 2014 NEC, AFCI protection is required on all branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens, along with the 2008 NEC additions of family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, and similar rooms and areas. They are also required in dormitory units. This requirement may be accomplished by using a "combination type" breaker—a specific kind of circuit-breaker defined by [[Underwriters Laboratories|UL]] 1699—in the breaker panel that provides combined arc-fault and [[overcurrent]] protection or by using an AFCI receptacle for modifications/extensions, as replacement receptacles or in new construction, at the first outlet on the branch. Not all U.S. jurisdictions have adopted the NEC's AFCI requirements so it is important to check local code requirements.
The AFCI is intended to prevent fire from arcs. AFCI circuit breakers are designed to meet one of two standards as specified by UL 1699: "branch" type or "combination" type (note: the Canadian Electrical Code uses different terminology but similar technical requirements). A branch type AFCI trips on 75 amperes of arcing current from the line wire to either the neutral or ground wire. A combination type adds series arcing detection to branch type performance. Combination type AFCIs trip on 5 amperes of series arcing.
[[File:Leviton Dual Function AFCI GFCI Receptacle.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Dual function AFCI GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) 110 volt receptacle circa 2016.]]
AFCI receptacles are an alternative solution to AFCI breakers. These receptacles are designed to address the dangers associated with both types of potentially hazardous arcing: parallel and series. AFCI receptacles offer the benefit of localized ''test'' and ''reset'' with such buttons located on the face of the device. This can save a journey to the breaker panel but can also encourage simply resetting by a user without investigating the underlying fault, as would presumably happen if someone with access to the electrical panel was notified.
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