ROSSLYN, VA – In a newly published white paper by the National Electrical
Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Low Voltage Distribution Section (LVDE), NEMA LVDE
reveals the compatibility and protection Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are providing to
appliances, beyond the already proven record of AFCIs preventing electrical fires in homes.
“What we were able to determine through significant research, data collection and a state
specific survey is that not only are AFCIs working well with various appliances, but they are
doing so with remarkable consistency,” said Keith Waters, P.E., C.E.M., industry standards
manager of Schneider Electric USA and member of NEMA’s LVDE AFCI Promotional Task
Force. “This new information is great news for those in the electrical, home building and
appliance industries where AFCI compatibility and interoperability are important along with the
device’s proven ability to protect against electrical fires as part of the National Electrical Code.”
The white paper entitled Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters and Home Appliances focuses
specifically on 15A and 20A AFCI protection of branch circuits that are utilized by cord and
plug connected appliances.
Among key findings detailed in the report that can be found at:
https://www.nema.org/standards/view/arc-fault-circuit-interrupters-and-home-appliances:
AFCI DATA – More than 60 million home appliances are estimated to now be protected
by AFCIs nationwide including dishwashers (56%), refrigerators (83%), microwaves (84%),
vacuums (76%), and washing machines (74%).
AFCI SURVEY – A Massachusetts’ electrical contractor survey conducted recently by
the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) showed contractors made an average of 16
calls per week related to tripped circuit breakers or fuses. Almost all of the incidences occurred
due to damaged wiring or overloaded circuits. AFCIs helped pinpoint 18% of the issues and the
contractors reported no problems with the AFCI devices themselves. Since 2020, Massachusetts
has had in place some of the most extensive AFCI requirements in the country covering homes
including appliances.
AFCI REPORTING – According to the National Association of Home Builders more
than 9.5 million new homes built since 2014 have AFCI protection. From 2021 through 2022,
www.AFCISafety.org reported only 35 claims of potential false tripping of AFCIs in the U.S.
Upon investigation, none of those contacted directly identified a faulty circuit breaker or an
incompatible product issue.
AFCI TESTING – AFCI manufacturers indicate they have conducted more than 130,000
interoperability tests with a variety of appliances and appliance combinations. The tests included
400 appliance brands and 150 product types. Additional testing was done for over 40,000
combination loads such as various countertop appliances, vacuum cleaners, power tools, and
durable medical equipment. The lab tests used loading, temperature, humidity, and other factors
to change the parameters to provide as many options as possible to determine if an AFCI would
trip when protecting the circuit where an appliance or group of appliances are installed. The
results of these extensive tests were that AFCIs function properly with appliances.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents over 300
electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers that make safe, reliable, and efficient
products and systems. Together, our industries are responsible for 1.65 million American jobs
and contribute more than $200 billion to the U.S. economy.
