AHJ- Question: Are there jurisdictions accepting outlet type combination AFCI protection that are not part of a listed system combination to satisfy the requirements of 2020 NEC Section 210.12(A)-(C)?
Consensus: Combination AFCI protection must be provided for the branch circuit (where conditions are met). In other words, the branch circuit can only be provided parallel arc protection where the AFCI device is located where the circuit originates; this would be the circuit breaker with integral Combination AFCI. Permissible methods of providing the entire circuit protection from both series and parallel arcs are in a list item format found in 2020 NEC Section 210.12, subdivision (A), list items (1)-(6). WHERE THE COMBINATION AFCI DEVICE IS INTEGRAL TO THE CIRCUIT BREAKER THE ENTIRE CIRCUIT IS PROVIDED THE AFCI PROTECTION.
It is a common misapplication to assume condition of the list item (4) has been satisfied where a standard type listed inverse time circuit breaker has been used in conjunction with a listed Combination AFCI outlet type protective device (receptacle). These outlet-type Combination AFCI protective devices are intended to provide protection in accordance with 2020 NEC Section 210.12, subdivision (D) & Section 406.4, subdivision (D) as applicable, which is typically for alterations to an existing circuit. Although both devices (breaker and receptacle) are listed devices, they have never been tested to the applicable product standard by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure the combination can effectively interrupt a parallel arc between the circuit breaker and the first outlet. This listed “combination” is an entirely separate product standard known as a system combination-type AFCI and is listed as such.
CURRENTLY, EATON IS THE ONLY MANUFACTURER OF SUCH A PRODUCT, SO IF YOUR PANEL IS NOT AN EATON PANELBOARD THE COMBINATION AFCI PROTECTION WILL NEED TO ORIGINATE AT THE BRANCH CIRCUIT BREAKER.
