Tamper Resistant Receptacles

As of January 1, 2010, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce adopted the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) for Tamper-Resistant Receptacles. This requires all 125-volt, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles installed, in all areas specified in 210.52 of the NEC, to be listed resistant receptacles. Section 210.52 includes all receptacles in or on a dwelling unit, as well as, those receptacles provided in attached or detached garages of a single-family dwelling.

Arc Fault Requirements

An arc fault circuit breaker or interrupter (arc fault circuit breakers) is a circuit breaker designed to stop fires by sensing non-functional electrical arcs and disconnect power before the arc starts a fire. The arc fault circuit breakers should distinguish between a working arc that may occur in the brushes of a vacuum sweeper, light switch, or other household devices and a non-working arc that can occur, for instance, in a lamp cord that has a broken conductor in the cord from overuse. Arc faults in a home is one of the leading causes for household fires.

As of January 1, 2010, Arc-fault is required on all new 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, sun rooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, and similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter per NEC 210.12

Arc fault circuit breakers look like a GFCI/ circuit breaker (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter in that they both have a test button, although it is important to distinguish the difference between the two. GFCIs are designed to protect people against electrical shock, while arc fault circuit breakers are primarily designed to protect against fire.

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