New code requires Arc Fault interruptor (AFI). Bedrooms and living rooms require them now. They are not GFI's. Their purpose is to trip open when current flow becomes sporatic which is what happens when there is a power cord arcing. They are to prevent fires.
GFI's are required for bathroom's and outdoor outlets. They trip when the slightest amount of current (uA's) leaks to ground. They do this by insuring the same current is flowing from hot line to neutral line (wider prong of plug). If not, it trips open. They are to prevent electrocution.
RCinFLA has it correct to my way of thinking. The circuit breakers in question are Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupt Protection. Here in the US they were required in bedrooms but as of the NEC (National Electric Code) 2008 they are required in all new construction dwellings. NEC Article 210.12 reads as follows:
(A) Definition: Are-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI). A device intended to provide protection from the effects of are faults by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected.
(B) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun rooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.
I am sure you get the drift of what the current NEC rules say. Keep in mind that this is for new construction. Additionally the NEC is a National code. Individual States, Counties and Towns may adopt some or all of the code.
Here in the State of Ohio the state without reading or understanding the code (they are politicians not engineering types) chose to adopt the entire code as written. They later overturned that decision after outcry from contractors in new home construction. I can buy a 15 or 20 amp GFIC for about $3.95 USD while that same AFCI cost about $39.95. Consider a new service panel with 200 Amp service and 40 breaker slots. If I install 40 GFIC breakers the cost is about $158 to load the panel. However if I install 40 AFCI breakers the cost is now $1,598 just for breakers.
Anyway the original requirement prior to NEC 2008 was for bedrooms so any new work done powering a bedroom required a AFCI to be installed. Additionally an AFCI will function as a GFCI but with the added feature of detecting arcs and are aimed at fire prevention.
Birdman:
Ah - good to know!
So AFCI's are the next best thing from GFCI?
Actually a better animal with a higher cost.
Ron