Issues with Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI)
Since the adoption of the 2020 National Electric Code (NEC), a number of issues have been brought to the attention of the Building and Zoning Office because of section 210.12 (A) of the 2020 NEC which requires an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breaker to be installed on connections between a new home’s electrical system and the refrigerator unit. This section requires products and materials that are not yet available at the time of this code adoption that will work harmoniously together without an abundance of nuisance trips.
Solution
The Building Official, acting on behalf of the Greene County Board of Commissioners, as the authority having jurisdiction and under the guidelines of the 2020 National Electrical Code section 90.4. the specific requirements of code section 210.12 (A), pertaining ONLY to refrigerators located within kitchens, have been waived.
When addressing the proper installation of kitchen refrigerator equipment, the manufactures installation instructions shall govern those installations pertaining to required breakers and grounding regulations.
How Long Will Greene County Waive This Requirement?
These standards shall be utilized until such time as the adequate products and materials have been tested and approved to support the new code.
Official Letter Dated August 10, 2022 Waiving the Requirement
Download the letter waiving the requirement pertaining to AFCI breakers on refrigerators located within kitchens,