GFCI and AFCI protection requirements have expanded with nearly every NEC cycle, and they apply to different locations for different reasons. This tool maps a room or location and circuit voltage to the applicable 2023 NEC section so you can plan rough-in and verify panels before inspection.
How it works
The checker encodes two NEC rules. NEC 210.8(A) lists the dwelling locations where 125 V to 250 V receptacles up to 50 A require ground-fault protection: kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, basements, laundry areas, and within 6 ft of any sink. NEC 210.12(A) requires combination AFCI protection for all 120 V, 15 and 20 ampere branch circuits supplying outlets in dwelling living areas — bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, kitchens, laundry, and more.
Because AFCI only applies to 120 V 15/20 A circuits, selecting 240 V suppresses the AFCI requirement while leaving any applicable GFCI requirement in place.
Reading the result
Each location returns the governing section number for GFCI and AFCI, a required/not-required verdict, and a note covering the key exception. Where both are required — kitchens, basements, laundry — a dual-function device satisfies both in one breaker or receptacle.
Example and notes
A kitchen countertop circuit at 120 V needs GFCI under 210.8(A)(6) and AFCI under 210.12(A), so a dual-function breaker is the clean solution. A 240 V range receptacle in the same kitchen does not need AFCI but still needs GFCI if it is a 125/250 V receptacle covered by 210.8. Always confirm the code cycle adopted by your AHJ, as local amendments can add or remove specific requirements.