afci breakers

[garrett]

Is it permissable to install gfi recptacles on an afci breaker as in dinning and kitchen counter outlets are on the same circuit.

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

Hi Garrett,

Yes, it is permissible, and the GFCI should not cause a problem for the AFCI breaker.

If problems do arise, that would be a good reason to begin separating those receptacles to be on separate circuits, but I suspect there will not be a problem as the GFCI does not actually 'do anything' - the GFCI just monitors the current through it in the 'hot' and 'neutral' conductors and trips off if there is an imbalance greater than 5 ma.

[babate]

Jerry,

Isn't there a code requirement that GFCI receptacles at kitchen backsplashes be wired as a home run circuit?

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

Isn't there a code requirement that GFCI receptacles at kitchen backsplashes be wired as a home run circuit?

Sort of ... at least two circuits are required to serve small-appliances and these circuits shall have no other outlets (i.e., indicating a home run circuit), with some exceptions, see:
- 210.52 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets.
- - (B) Small Appliances.
- - - (1) Receptacle Outlets Served.
- - - (2) No Other Outlets.
- - - (3) Kitchen Receptacle Requirements.

However, you specifically mentioned GFCI receptacles at the kitchen backsplashes those receptacles are allowed on small-appliance branch circuits which could contain receptacles which are not required to be GFCI protected, thus the GFCI protected receptacle circuits would not necessarily be home run circuits in the strict sense and use of the term "home run circuit".