An AFCI or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter is used to detect a wide range of arcing electrical faults. It saves the electrical system from being a source of an electrical fire. It senses when an electrical arc is about to occur and before the arc builds enough to catch fire, it instantly disconnects the damaged circuit. If you want to learn how to install an AFCI outlet and where to install an AFCI outlet, this blog is the best guide for you.
How to Install an AFCI Outlet

Installing an AFCI outlet isn’t as tough as it seems. These easy steps will efficiently coach you on how to install an AFCI outlet-
Step 1: Turn Off Main Circuit Breaker
You need to find the breaker or breakers you want to replace with AFCI breakers. Now, turn off the main circuit breaker. This will cut power to your entire house. If you doubt that your circuit breaker is faulty, before starting the installation process make sure to test it using a voltage tester.
Step 2: Remove the Panel Cover
The next step in how to install an AFCI outlet is unscrewing the panel cover. To make sure that the power is off in the panel, use your circuit tester.
Step 3: Remove Old Circuit Breaker or Breakers
Now remove the circuit breaker or breakers you want to replace from its place. The black wire from the breaker must be removed.
Step 4: Wire and Connect AFCI Breaker
After removing the old circuit breaker, follow the black wire you disconnected to the place it enters the box. Now follow the white wire from the same cable back to the neutral bus bar and then disconnect it.
Turn off the AFCI breaker handles to the off-position and then loosen two breaker terminal screws. The white circuit wire (not the coiled white wire) needs to be connected to the breaker terminal labeled as white or Panel Neutral. The black circuit wire needs to be connected to the breaker terminal which is labeled as black or Load Power. Finally, you need to connect the AFCI breaker’s coiled white wire to the neutral bus bar in the same position as that of the white neutral wire you removed in Step 4.
Step 5: Install AFCI Breaker and Turn Power On
This is the final step explaining how to install AFCI outlets. In this step, you need to snap the new breaker into the breaker panel. You need to check if all the connections are tight or not. Also, see if you have screwed the breaker panel covers back into place. After you make sure these things are right, turn on the main breaker followed by the AFCI breaker.
Now press the test button on the front or per your breaker manufacturer’s instructions to test the arc fault breaker. The breaker will trip open if it is wired correctly.
Learning how to Install the AFCI breaker was quite a straightforward process. It can be easily done with the right tools and materials. However, always work with things like AFCI breakers or other electrical elements with utmost caution.
Also Read: Is it Dangerous If Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping?
Where to Install AFCI Outlets?
Now that you know how to install AFCI outlets, the next big question is where to install AFCI outlets. According to the NEC requirements, the AFCI outlets need to be installed in all new home constructions including living rooms, bedrooms, sunrooms, dining rooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and in other gathering areas. Now, let’s answer another much-awaited question of yours- can I install AFCI outlets myself?
Can I Install AFCI Outlets Myself?
If you have experience with electrical work and proper tools for installing AFCI outlets, it is then possible for you to install AFCI outlets by yourself. However, one thing to note here is that work related to electricity and electrical elements can be extremely dangerous. So, it should only be done by someone with the necessary skills and knowledge. If even after going through the tutorial on how to install AFCI outlets you aren’t cent percent confident in your DIY electrical skills, it’s better to get a licensed electrician.
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