CSLB C-10 Electrical ContractorEquipment and InstallationMedium
An electrician is wiring new 120-volt, 20-ampere branch circuits in a single-family dwelling. Per NEC 210.12, which of the following locations is NOT required to have AFCI protection?
- AGarage
- BFamily room
- CBedroom
- DHome office/den
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Garage
NEC 210.12(A) requires AFCI protection for most dwelling unit living areas including bedrooms, family rooms, dens, and similar rooms, but garages and unfinished accessory buildings are not included in the AFCI-required areas list.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Family rooms are explicitly listed as requiring AFCI protection.
- C. Bedrooms are explicitly listed in 210.12(A) as requiring AFCI protection.
- D. Dens/home offices are included in the list of similar rooms requiring AFCI protection.
AFCI Required Areas
NEC 210.12(A) lists dwelling unit areas requiring AFCI protection on 120V, 15/20A branch circuits, covering most living spaces but excluding garages and unfinished basements/attics.
- Covers kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas
- Garages and unfinished basements are generally exempt
- GFCI and AFCI are separate protections that can overlap in some areas
Memory trick: Living spaces get arc-fault guards; garages don't.