Unfortunately, arc–faults can occur anywhere in a home or business electrical system. They can result in fires, causing serious damage to property and personal injury or death. Arc–faults are typically the result of damaged or worn wire insulation, misapplied or damaged plug-in appliances, or loose electrical connections. Hidden wires behind walls nicked by nails or pinched by fasteners can also be a source of arcing. AFCI products provide protection against these dangerous conditions, cutting off power to affected circuits.


The 2002 National Electrical Code® requires all branch circuits that supply 125–volt, single–phase, 15- and 20-ampere outlets installed in dwelling bedroom units to be protected by an arc–fault circuit interrupter listed to provide protection of the entire branch circuit (Section 210.12).

The 2002 National Electric Code also requires that single–phase cord-and-plug-connected room air conditioners be provided with factory-installed LCDI or AFCI protection. The protection device must be an integral part of the attachment plug or be located in the power supply cord within 300 mm (12 in.) of the attachment plug (Section 440.65).

Based on current proposals before the National Fire Protection Association, the controlling authority for the National Electric Code, we expect that the use of AFCI technology will increase dramatically in the coming years. Existing requirements for use in homes will be expanded and new applications such as AFCI extension cords and plug-mounted protection modules will appear.


UL 1699 is the specification that governs the performance of AFCI products. There are five types of UL-recognized AFCIs:

1. Branch/Feeder : Installed at the origin of the circuit such as in the circuit breaker box or load center, to provide protection to the whole circuit

2. Outlet Circuit : Installed at a branch circuit outlet to provide protection to the cords plugged into it or in the case of those with feed-through capabilities to provide protection for downstream outlets

3. Combination : Complies with the requirements of both the branch feeder and outlet circuit AFCIs, providing protection for loads downstream

4. Portable : Plug-in device connected to the receptacle outlet and provides one or more outlets

5. Cord : plug-in device connected to a receptacle with no additional outlets

Sensata Technologies manufactures AFCI circuits that can be incorporated into any of the UL-recognized AFCIs. Although Sensata does not manufacture end-products for this segment, we are partnered with companies who incorporate our AFCI circuits into their products to meet the AFCI requirements of the NEC code.

Please contact us if you are interested in utilizing our leading AFCI technology in your product or application.

To learn more about opportunities to collaborate with Sensata Technologies, please contact us.