Installation Guide

ManualsBrandsEaton ManualsElectrical OutletsTRAFCI15B

1. What is an Outlet Branch

Circuit AFCI?

An Outlet Branch Circuit AFCI is different

from conventional receptacles. It is intended

to provide protection of branch circuit wiring,

cord sets, and power-supply cords connected

to it against the unwanted affects of arcing.

In the event of an arcing fault, an AFCI will

trip and stop the flow of electricity to

mitigate the effects of the arcing that may

have posed a risk of fire ignition if the

arcing persisted.

Definition of an arcing fault:

An arcing fault is an unintentional

arcing condition in a circuit. Arcing

occurs as a normal condition in

some motors or when a switch opens.

An example of unintentional arcing

would be arcing that occurs due to

severed power-supply cord conductors.

An Outlet Branch Circuit AFCI does not

protect against circuit overloads, short

circuits or against shock hazards.

3. Should you install it?

Installing an Outlet Branch Circuit AFCI

can be more complicated than installing a

conventional receptacle.

Make sure that you:

• Understand basic wiring principles

and techniques

• Can interpret wiring diagrams

• Have circuit wiring experience

• Are prepared to take a few minutes to

test your work, making sure that you

have wired the Outlet Branch Circuit

AFCI correctly

• If you do not fully understand these

instructions, you should seek the

assistance of a qualified electrician

4. LINE vs. LOAD

A cable consists of 2 or 3 wires.

LINE cable:

Delivers power from the service panel

(breaker panel or fuse box) to the AFCI. If

there is only one cable entering the

electrical box, it is the LINE cable. This

cable should be connected to the AFCI’s

LINE terminals only.

LOAD cable:

Delivers power from the AFCI to another

receptacle in the circuit. This cable should be

connected to the AFCI’s LOAD terminals only.

The LOAD terminals are under the yellow

sticker. Do not remove the sticker at this time.

5. Turn the power OFF

Plug an electrical device, such as a lamp

or radio, into the receptacle on which you are

working. Turn the lamp or radio on.

Then, go to the service panel. Find the

breaker or fuse that protects that receptacle.

Place the breaker in the OFF position or

completely remove the fuse. The lamp or radio

should turn OFF.

6. Identify cables/wires

Important:

Do not install the Outlet Branch Circuit

AFCI in an electrical box containing (a)

more than 4 wires (not including the

grounding wires) or (b) cables with more

than two wires (not including the grounding

wire). Contact a qualified electrician if

either (a) or (b) is true.

If you are replacing an old receptacle,

pull it out of the electrical box without

disconnecting the wires.

• If you see one cable (2-3 wires), it is the

LINE cable. The receptacle is probably in

position C (see diagram to the right). Remove

the receptacle and go to step 7A.

• If you see two cables (4-6 wires), the

receptacle is probably in position A or B

(see diagram to the right). Follow steps

a-e of the procedure to the right.

Procedure: box with two cables (4-6 wires)

(a) Detach one cable’s white and hot wires

from the receptacle and cap each one

separately with a wire connector. Make

sure that they are from the same cable.

(b) Re-install the receptacle in the electrical

box, attach the faceplate, then turn the

power ON at the service panel.

receptacle. If so, the capped wires are the

LOAD wires. If not, the capped wires are

the LINE wires.

(d) Turn the power OFF at the service panel,

label the LINE and LOAD wires, then remove

the receptacle.

(e) Go to step 7B.

2. The AFCI’s features

• To prevent severe shock or electrocution,

always turn the power OFF at the

service panel before working with

wiring.

• Use this Outlet Branch Circuit AFCI with

copper or copper-clad wire. Do not use

it with aluminum wire.

• Do not install this Outlet Branch Circuit

AFCI on a circuit that powers life

support equipment because if the AFCI

trips it will shut down the equipment.

• Must be installed in accordance with

national and local electrical codes.

• This Outlet Branch Circuit AFCI must

be installed as the first outlet in the

branch circuit.

CAUTION

Please read this leaflet

completely before

getting started.

EIS-AFCI01-E (REV. B)

Receptacle

Outlet

Mounting

Bracket

RESET

button:

See step 8

TEST button:

See step 8

Correct wiring/

trip

indicator

Cable

Wires

5. Turn the power OFF

Cable

Wires

Next, plug in and turn ON the lamp or

radio at the receptacle’s other outlet to

make sure the power is OFF at both outlets.

If the power is not OFF, stop work and call an

electrician to complete the installation.

Placement in circuit:

The Outlet Branch Circuit Type AFCI must

be placed as the first outlet in the circuit.

Sample circuit:

Always place Outlet Branch Circuit Type

AFCI in position A. All outlets of the

protected branch, including lighting and

receptacle outlets, must be connected to

the load side of the AFCI.

LOAD

Service

Panel

LOAD

LINE

Service

Panel

LOAD LOAD

LINE

OLD

NEW (2)

MONTHLY

TEST RESET

TEST

SEE INSTRUCTIONS

BACK VIEW

FRONT VIEW

Grounding Terminal (Green):

Connection for bare

copper or green wire

Screw (terminal) colors:

Green = grounding terminal

Silver = white terminals

Brass = hot terminals

LINE

Hot terminal (Brass):

Connection for the

LINE cable’s black

wire

LOAD

Hot terminal (Brass):

Connection for the

LOAD cable’s black

wire.

A yellow sticker

covers the LOAD

terminals. Do not

remove the sticker at

this time.

LINE

White terminal (Silver):

Connection for the LINE

cable’s white wire

LOAD

White terminal (Silver):

Connection for the

LOAD cable’s white

wire

Installing and

Testing an

Outlet Branch

Circuit AFCI