Electrical receptacles in most homes prior to 2002 do not comply with the most recent requirements for branch circuit protection by an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device. Although homes are not required to be updated to comply with newly-enacted building safety standards, to reduce the potential danger of electrical fire, as an inspector we recommend that AFCI protection be installed that will comply with modern electrical safety standards. All work should be performed by a qualified electrical contractor.
New Standards: Safety standards with which new homes must comply require the installation of AFCI protection of all Kitchens, Family Rooms, Dining Rooms, Living Rooms, Parlors, Libraries, Dens, Bedrooms, Sunrooms, Recreation Rooms, Closets, Hallways, Laundry Areas, or Similar Rooms or Areas electrical receptacles.
