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Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Question:
Re: CQD answer published Wednesday, April 13, 2016 -
1. Regarding the question about replacing non grounding receptacles; remember that in many residential locations replacement receptacles may need to be AFCI protected and/or tamper resistant. The whole process of replacing receptacles has gotten much more complex.
Don Haskin
2 Thanks for this great resource. With regard to replacement receptacles, art. 406 states that when we replace receptacles we need to furnish arc fault protection. How would this be accomplished if nongrounding receptacles are replaced.
Thank You, Stephen C. McCarthy
A
Answer:
Hey Don and Stephen thanks for your comments. You are correct that 406.4(D)(4) requires AFCI protection for receptacles that are replaced in locations that now require AFCI protection for the branch circuit. The protection can be provided by the methods stated in that section, including a combination type arc fault circuit interrupter circuit breaker.
GFCI protection is also required for replacement receptacles in locations that now require GFCI protection as stated in 406.4(D)(3). GFCI type receptacles are allowed to replace non-grounding types even where GFCI protection is not required as stated in 406.4(D)(2)(b)&(c).
AFCI and GFCI devices must be installed so they are readily accessible as stated in 406.4(D).
Weather-resistant receptacles are also required as stated in 406.9(B) and for replacements as stated in 406.4(D)(6).
Tamper resistant receptacles are not required if non-grounding types are used as the replacements as stated in 406.12 Exception.
Yes, replacements have complex rules but better protection is provided as part of the replacements.