The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires Arc fault circuit breakers or interrupters (AFCIs) in many areas of the home. This includes bedrooms, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and more. These differ from ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). They address slow leaks of energy from electrical line punctures or similar issues. AFCI breakers also typically carry a premium cost. They take the form of circuit breakers that go into your home’s electrical panel. The Leviton OBC Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter AFCI receptacles take the place of these more costly breakers.
Designed to recognize the same types of hazardous arc faults, Leviton AFCI receptacles could prove easier to install and manage in some situations. Your regional location may have particular implementation levels of the new NEC. As the use of AFCIs becomes more prevalent in both new construction and remodeling, innovative solutions like this can help.
Leviton OBC Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter AFCI Receptacles
Often unseen, arc faults can occur anywhere in the home’s electrical system including within walls, at loose electrical connections, or within electrical cords accidentally damaged. The ODB AFCI functions by de-energizing the circuit downstream of the device detecting an arc fault. This helps prevent ignition and a potential fire.
In a sense, the outlet works just like the AFCI breaker but lets you install the upstream circuit protection in the home rather than at the electrical panel. This brings the added benefit of giving you “Test” and “Reset” functionality right in the home. The Leviton SmartlockPro OBC AFCI Receptacle is also Tamper-Resistant in compliance with the latest NEC requirements. The shutter mechanism of the receptacle blocks access to the contacts from most foreign objects for improved safety.
How the Leviton AFCI Receptacles Work
Engineered to detect and provide protection from both parallel and series arc-faults downstream and series arc-faults upstream from its location, the Leviton SmartlockPro OBC AFCI Receptacle features Leviton’s patented reset/lockout technology which automatically tests the AFCI every time the RESET button is pushed in. The AFCI will not reset if the AFCI circuit is not functioning properly.
By blocking the reset of the AFCI if protection has been compromised, the SmartlockPro OBC AFCI Receptacle reduces the possibility of end-users incorrectly assuming that a reset AFCI is providing protection when it is not.
Certifications
The device meets Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 1699A (Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters, Outlet Branch Circuit Type), the definitive standard for AFCIs, and comes with a two-year limited product warranty. Available in White, Ivory, Light Almond, Gray, Black, and Brown, the Leviton AFCI receptacles are compatible with the company’s complete line of signature Decora wiring devices and wallplates.
For additional information on the Leviton SmartlockPro OBC AFCI Receptacle, visit the Leviton website.
