Newsletter!

How to Wire an AFCI Outlet?

How to Wire an AFCI Outlet? . Electrical safety is critical in any home or commercial setting. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) outlets are designed to prevent electrical fires caused by arc faults. Whether you’re upgrading your home’s electrical system or installing one for the first time, understanding how to wire an AFCI outlet is essential. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the tools, steps, and best practices for successfully wiring an AFCI outlet.

Read More : How to Wire and Install a GFCI Outlet?

What is an OBC AFCI Outlet?

AFCI or OBC AFCI is known as “Outlet Branch Circuit AFCI” or “Outlet Branch Circuit Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter“. AFCI is different than the conventional outlet receptacle as it is used to provide protection to the branch circuits against the arc faults.

Arcing faults occurs unintentionally in a circuit when the motor switch opens or a line (hot) wire cuts and touches the neutral. In this case, the AFCI will detect the arc fault and cut off the main power supply to the connected devices and equipment, hence prevent the chances of electric fire.

What-is-AFCI-Breaker-and-AFCI-Outlet-Receptacle-and-How-to-Wire-it
What-is-AFCI-Breaker-and-AFCI-Outlet-Receptacle-and-How-to-Wire-it

Read More : What Is the Difference Between GFCI and AFCI?

The wiring connection of both GFCI and AFCI outlets are same but they don’t provide protection against electric shock, overload or short circuits. Therefore, both GFCI and AFCI breakers and outlets are feed through overload protection from the main panel i.e. they are directly connected to the main MCB in the home panel box.

OBC AFCI detects upstream series and downstream series and parallel arc faults and provides protection against electrical fires. AFCI are available in breakers, outlet, combination switch and blank face receptacle. We will show the different wiring diagrams and application of all the above mentioned components in details.

Notes:

  • According to NEC 2014, AFCI protection is must in all new construction, dormitories and dwelling units, bedrooms, living rooms and other similar locations in residential areas.
  • AFCI and GFCI should not be installed with life saving and other sensitive equipment (where continuous power supply is must for proper operations) that lost power.
  • An AFCI and GFCI can be used on the same circuit as they don’t interfere with each other. You may use the combo of both AFCI/GFCI for the purpose as well.
  • It’s must to know the Line and Load terminals of an AFCI outlet. The load must be connected to the load terminals of AFCI outlet to be protected by AFCI. Any load connected to the line terminals of AFCI are not AFCI protected as they are connected to the direct main supply.
  • To avoid false tripping operation, do not install and wire an AFCI, GFCI, GFPE (Ground Fault Protection of Equipment) or Combo of both AFCI/GFCI circuit breakers on shared Neutral wire with other circuits.
  • We have used Red for Hot, Black for Neutral and Green for Ground for illustration only. Follow your own area wiring color codes according to NEC, IEC etc.

Read More : How to Wire an AFCI Breaker?

Now let’s see how to wire an AFCI receptacle in different ways like AFCI Outlet, Blank Face AFCI, AFCI with GFCI and Dual Function AFCI/GFCI outlet as follow.

Wiring an AFCI Outlet with Ordinary Outlets

In this AFCI outlet wiring diagram, two conventional outlet receptacles has been connected to the load terminals of AFCI outlet. This way, AFCI outlet, the conventional outlets and any load connected to it is AFCI protected.

Wiring-an-AFCI-Outlet-with-Ordinary-Outlets
Wiring-an-AFCI-Outlet-with-Ordinary-Outlets

Wiring an AFCI Outlet with a Light Switch

The following simple wiring shows that a single pole (SPST) switch is used to control the ON/OFF operation of a light bulb while protected by AFCI outlet. It is clearly shows that the light switch has been connected to the load terminals of AFCI outlet. Keep in mind that any load connected to the line terminals of AFCI outlet is not AFCI protected as it is running by direct main supply.

Wiring-an-AFCI-Outlet-with-a-Light-Switch
Wiring-an-AFCI-Outlet-with-a-Light-Switch

Read More : electrical engineering principles and applications

Wiring a Blank Face AFCI with Combo Switch Outlet and Light Bulb

In this special AFCI wiring diagram, a blank face AFCI outlet has been used to protect the light bulb controlled by combo switch and outlet (you may use any other load according to your needs). The combo switch is connected to the load terminals of AFCI while the light bulb is controlled through the ON/OFF switch in the combo switch outlet. The outlet can be used to connect other loads as well which is AFCI protected. In simple words, the combo switch/outlet, light and AFCI outlets are AFCI protected.

Wiring-a-Blank-Face-AFCI-with-Combo-Switch-Outlet-and-Light-bulb
Wiring-a-Blank-Face-AFCI-with-Combo-Switch-Outlet-and-Light-bulb

Wiring an AFCI Outlet with GFCI Outlet & Standard Outlet

As mentioned above, an AFCI can be wire and install with GFCI as they don’t interfere with each other in a circuit. The wiring connections of both AFCI and GFCI are same i.e. the load must be connected to the load terminals.

In this basic wiring diagram, a standard outlet has been connected to the GFCI load terminals while the GFCI has been connected to the load terminals of AFCI. This way, the standard outlet receptacle is protected by both AFCI and GFCI.

Wiring-an-AFCI-Outlet-with-GFCI-Outlet-Standard-Outlet
Wiring-an-AFCI-Outlet-with-GFCI-Outlet-Standard-Outlet

Read More : The Complete Guide to basic electrical engineering pdf

Note: If you it looks weird to wire both AFCI and GFCI in a circuit, you may use the combo AFCI/GFCI outlet for this purpose as follow.

Wiring a Dual Function AFCI / GFCI outlet with Conventional Outlet & Light Switch

To reduce the number of outlets or make complex things simple, you may use the combo AFCI/GFCI outlet instead of separate AFCI and GFCI receptacles.

In the following diagram, a combination of AFCI and GFCI outlet has been used to protect the ordinarily outlet and light switch. The ordinary outlet receptacle and light switch has been connected to the load terminals of Combo AFCI-GFCI outlet through Hot, Neutral and earth/ground wires hence, all the outlets and light switches are both AFCI and GFCI protected.

Wiring-a-Dual-Function-AFCI-GFCI-outlet-with-Conventional-Outlet-Light-Switch
Wiring-a-Dual-Function-AFCI-GFCI-outlet-with-Conventional-Outlet-Light-Switch

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the AFCI outlet doesn’t work after installation:

  1. Check Connections: Double-check all wire connections for proper placement and tightness.
  2. Inspect the Circuit Breaker: Ensure the breaker is in the “on” position and functioning correctly.
  3. Test with Another Outlet: Verify that the issue is not with the device you are using for testing.
  4. Consult a Professional: If problems persist, seek help from a licensed electrician.

Read More : Why Are Outlets and Receptacles in Hospitals Upside Down?

Precautions:

  • Switch off the main circuit breaker to make sure the power supply is OFF before wiring a GFCI outlet.
  • Use the suitable voltage and ampere rating of switch with appropriate wire size and proper size MCB according to the load rating.
  • Use the correct polarity i.e. verify the Load and Line terminals while installing a GFCI for protection. In other words, connect the wires to the correct side of outlet for proper operation.
  • Regular maintenance, check and test is recommended while test the portable GFCI before each operation.
  • Contact the authorized and licensed electrician for GFCI installation if you are not sure about the wiring diagrams.
  • The author will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information or if you try any circuit in wrong format. So please! Be careful because it’s all about electricity and electricity is too dangerous.

How to install an AFCI

Before you begin, you must first identify the LINE and LOAD wires in your electrical box.

  • Detach one cable’s white wire and hot wire from the receptacle and cap each one separately with a wire cap. Make sure they are from the same cable.
  • Re-install the receptacle in the electrical box, attach the faceplate, then turn the power back ON and the service panel.
  • Determine if the power is flowing to the receptacle. If so, the capped wires are the LOAD wires. If not, the capped wires are the LINE wires.
  • Turn OFF the power at the service panel, label the LINE and LOAD wires and remove the old receptacle.

Connect the LINE cable wires to the LINE terminals

  • The white wire (neutral) connects to the WHITE terminal (silver).
  • The black wire (hot) connects to the HOT terminal (brass).

Connect the LOAD cable wires to the LOAD terminals

  • Remove the yellow sticker to reveal the LOAD terminals.
  • The white wire (neutral) connects to the WHITE terminal (silver).
  • The black wire (hot) connects to the HOT terminal (brass).

Connect the ground wires (only if there is a ground available)

  • Connect the bare copper (or green) wire to the grounding terminal on the AFCI

FAQs About Wiring AFCI Outlets

1. What is the difference between an AFCI outlet and a GFCI outlet?
AFCI outlets protect against electrical fires caused by arc faults, while GFCI outlets protect against electrical shocks caused by ground faults.

2. Are AFCI outlets required in older homes?
Although not always required, upgrading to AFCI outlets in older homes is a good safety measure.

3. Can I install an AFCI outlet on any circuit?
AFCI outlets are suitable for most circuits, but always check your local code requirements.

4. Why does my AFCI outlet keep tripping?
Frequent tripping could indicate faulty wiring, a malfunctioning outlet, or appliances causing arc faults.

Related Topics
How to Wire an AFCI Outlet?
Engineering Reference
Subscribe to our

Newsletter

We will update you with all the latest books and references.