DEFINITION AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ARC FAULT BREAKERS
AND
GFCI REQUIREMENTS FOR DWELLING UNITS
2008 National Electrical Code
DEFINITION FOR OUTLET: A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization
equipment.
HANDBOOK COMMENTARY: This term is frequently misused. Common examples of outlets include
lighting outlets, receptacle outlets, and smoke alarm outlets.
DEFINITION AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ARC FAULT BREAKERS
AND
GFCI REQUIREMENTS FOR DWELLING UNITS
2008 National Electrical 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,
sunrooms, 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.
DEFINITION FOR OUTLET: A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization
equipment.
HANDBOOK COMMENTARY: This term is frequently misused. Common examples of outlets include
lighting outlets, receptacle outlets, and smoke alarm outlets.
DEFINITION AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ARC FAULT BREAKERS
AND
GFCI REQUIREMENTS FOR DWELLING UNITS
2008 National Electrical Code
210.11 Branch Circuits Required.
(C) Dwelling Units.
(1) Small-Appliance Branch Circuits. In addition to the number of branch circuits required by other parts
of this section, two or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits shall be provided for all
receptacle outlets specified by 210.52(B).
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210.52 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets.
(B) Small Appliances.
(1) Receptacle Outlets Served. In the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar area of a
dwelling unit, the two or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits required by 210.11(C)(1) shall
serve all wall and floor receptacle outlets covered by 210.52(A), all countertop outlets covered by
210.52(C), and receptacle outlets for refrigeration equipment.
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210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel.
(A) Dwelling Units. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the locations
specified in (1) through (8) shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
(6)
Kitchens — where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces
DEFINITION FOR OUTLET: A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization
equipment.
HANDBOOK COMMENTARY: This term is frequently misused. Common examples of outlets include
lighting outlets, receptacle outlets, and smoke alarm outlets.