AFCI & GFCI Rules in Arkansas: Navigating the Adopted 2020 NEC

The Big Picture: Understanding the Arkansas 2020 NEC Amendments

Arkansas officially adopted the 2020 NEC, bringing a host of changes that impact daily work on job sites from Fayetteville to Jonesboro. While the national code aims for uniformity, states have the authority to adopt it with modifications. These Arkansas 2020 NEC amendments are where the real challenges—and opportunities—lie. Two of the most significant areas of change are Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) and Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection. Getting these wrong can lead to failed inspections, costly rework, and a tarnished professional reputation. Let’s break down what you need to know about the updated NEC 210.12 Arkansas and NEC 210.8 Arkansas rules.

AFCI Deep Dive: The Critical Kitchen and Laundry AFCI Exemption

Nationally, NEC 2020 dramatically expanded the requirement for an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) to cover virtually all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits in dwelling units. This includes kitchens, laundry areas, living rooms, bedrooms, and more. The goal of an arc detector breaker, or AFCI, is to prevent fires by detecting dangerous arcing conditions in wiring that a standard breaker wouldn’t catch.

However, this is where Arkansas diverges. The Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners put a crucial amendment in place: there is a kitchen and laundry AFCI exemption. This is one of the most important Arkansas AFCI exceptions to be aware of. While the rest of the dwelling’s living spaces fall under the expanded AFCI rules, you are not required to install an afci breaker on circuits dedicated to kitchens and laundry areas. This specific local rule can save significant cost and help avoid potential AFCI nuisance tripping issues with certain appliances, a common headache for electricians. When working on branch circuit extensions or modifications in other areas, remember that AFCI protection is likely required if the extension exceeds 6 feet.

Navigating Expanded GFCI Rules: What NEC 210.8 Arkansas Means for You

While Arkansas provided relief on the AFCI front, the state adopted the broad expansion of GFCI protection outlined in the 2020 NEC. This is a game-changer. The previous code focused mainly on 15- and 20-amp, 125-volt receptacles in specific locations. The 2020 NEC, as adopted in Arkansas, expands this requirement significantly.

The new rule in NEC 210.8(A) removes the amperage limitations for dwelling units and requires that all 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground must have GFCI protection in specified locations. Key areas include:

• Bathrooms
• Basements (finished or unfinished)
• Garages and accessory buildings
• Outdoors
• Crawl spaces
• Boathouses
• Kitchens
• Laundry areas
• Receptacles installed within 6 feet of the outside edge of a sink.
• Receptacles installed within 6 feet of the outside edge of a bathtub or shower stall.

This expansion now mandates 250-volt GFCI protection for larger appliances like dryers and ranges if their receptacles are located in these areas. That means the standard 30 amp breaker for a dryer or a 50 amp breaker for a range may now need to be a GFCI breaker, depending on the receptacle’s location. There are very few Arkansas GFCI exceptions, so it’s safer to assume protection is needed in these zones. Every device must also be in a readily accessible location to allow for testing.

Choosing the Right Breakers: A Practical Guide

With these complex requirements, your choice of circuit protection is more critical than ever. A basic 15 amp breaker or 20 amp breaker won’t cut it in most locations anymore. You have to be strategic. For areas requiring only arc-fault protection, a standard arc fault breaker is sufficient. For “wet” areas like bathrooms and garages—which are exempt from AFCI requirements under the base NEC 210.12, not due to a state-specific rule—a GFCI receptacle or breaker is the solution.

For locations that require both types of protection under different codes (like a receptacle near a wet bar in a den), the most efficient solution is to use dual-function AFCI/GFCI breakers. Leading manufacturers like Square D offer a range of these combination breakers. Using a single device like a Square D breakers dual-function unit saves panel space and ensures full compliance without confusion. Whether you’re installing a small subpanel or a main service that needs a 100 amp breaker, planning your protection strategy from the start is key. An arc fault circuit breaker provides one type of safety, but in today’s code environment, it’s often only half the story.

Your License Is On the Line: The Importance of Continuing Education

Navigating the nuances between the base NEC and state-specific rules is the hallmark of a true professional. It’s also a mandatory part of maintaining your license. The state requires 8 hours of Arkansas electrical license continuing education focused on the NEC for every three-year code cycle. This isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about protecting your business, ensuring client safety, and demonstrating your expertise. The difference between knowing about the kitchen and laundry AFCI exemption and not knowing can be the difference between a profitable job and a failed one.

Don’t get caught off guard by the new rules. Mastering the Arkansas AFCI GFCI requirements is essential for your career. Stay ahead of the curve, ensure your installations are compliant, and solidify your reputation as a top-tier electrician. Ready to dive deeper and master these critical code changes? Stay current with Arkansas-specific NEC code update courses.

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References

1. NFPA, “State Adoptions of the National Electrical Code,” accessed November 2024.
2. IAEI, “State Adoptions of the National Electrical Code,” June 15, 2023.
3. NFPA, “2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 210.12,” accessed November 2024.
4. ESFI, “Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs),” accessed November 2024.
5. NFPA, “2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 210.8(A),” accessed November 2024.
6. Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, “Administrative Rules of The Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners,” April 24, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to upgrade existing homes in Arkansas to meet the 2020 AFCI/GFCI requirements?

Generally, no. The code applies to new construction, alterations, and repairs. However, if you perform work on an existing circuit, such as making branch circuit extensions, you will likely need to bring that modified portion of the circuit up to current code, which would involve adding the required AFCI or GFCI protection.

2. With the kitchen and laundry AFCI exemption, does that mean no special protection is needed in those areas?

No. While the specific Arkansas AFCI exceptions remove the arc-fault requirement in those rooms, the GFCI requirements from NEC 210.8 Arkansas are fully in effect. This means receptacles in kitchens and laundry areas still require GFCI protection for personnel safety.

3. What is the best way to handle AFCI nuisance tripping?

Persistent AFCI nuisance tripping often indicates an underlying wiring issue, such as shared neutrals or ground faults, or an appliance with incompatible electronics. A professional diagnosis can determine the root cause. If the circuit wiring is confirmed to be sound, the issue may stem from the appliance itself. Using a high-quality arc fault breaker from a reputable manufacturer can be beneficial, as modern devices feature advanced algorithms designed to reduce false trips. In some scenarios, isolating the problematic appliance on a dedicated circuit might be the most effective solution.