The Leviton AFTR1 AFCI receptacle can help protect your home and property from the hazards of arc-faults by identifying and reacting to potentially dangerous arc-faults within a home’s electrical system, which includes: branch circuit wiring within walls, fixtures, appliances, equipment, and extension cords.
The device features a TEST and RESET button on the face of the receptacle; offering homeowners the convenience of localized control. The Leviton OBC AFCI Receptacle provides feed-through protection and is able to detect downstream parallel and series arc-faults as well as upstream series arc-faults.
Arc-faults can occur anywhere in a home’s electrical system and are linked to starting fires.
What Causes Arc-Faults?
Arc-faults can occur anywhere in the home’s electrical system including: damaged wiring within walls, loose electrical connections, brittle or heat-damaged cords, or in damaged or malfunctioning electrical cords. Due to the fact that arc-faults are generally not visible, it is important to have a means of detecting a potential problem. The Leviton OBC AFCI Receptacle is a smart solution as it installs easily in a standard wall box, can protect against the sources of arc-faults that may not be visible, and can be used in either new construction or in retrofit applications.
What is Arc-Fault Protection?
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) were developed to help combat the dangers associated with arc-faults.
- AFCIs are designed to detect a wide range of arc-faults to help reduce the likelihood of the electrical system being an ignition source of a fire
- AFCIs function by cutting off power when potentially dangerous arcing is detected
- AFCIs are now required by the National Electrical Code in many areas throughout the home
The Difference between AFCI and GFCI outlets
AFCIs and GFCIs are both important devices to incorporate into a home’s electrical system. It is important to recognize, however, that although they are similar in appearance they offer very different protection. The AFCI receptacle is designed to provide protection from electrical fires that could result from arc-faults, whereas the GFCI receptacle protects people from potentially hazardous shocks and electrocution. Additionally, GFCI receptacles are required in wet or damp locations such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms and garages. AFCI receptacles are often required in family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets and hallways.
About Leviton OBC AFCI Receptacles
As a market leader in electrical wiring devices, Leviton has introduced an OBC AFCI Receptacle which addresses the dangers associated with both types of potentially hazardous arcing – parallel and series arcing. Similar to GFCIs, AFCI receptacles provide feed-through protection and are able to detect downstream parallel and series arc-faults, as well as upstream series arc-faults. Utilizing an AFCI receptacle offers homeowners the benefit of localized TEST and RESET, providing a convenient option to AFCI breakers.
What’s in the Box
One Leviton AFTR1 Outlet Branch Circuit AFCI Receptacle, 15A-120V with wall plate.
