Installation Guide

1. What is an AF/GF?
An Outlet Branch Circuit AF/GF 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
effects of arcing. In the event of an arcing
fault, an AF/GF will trip and stop the flow of
electricity to mitigate the risk of fire ignition
if the arcing persisted. In the event of a
ground fault, an AF/GF will trip and quickly
stop the flow of electricity to prevent
serious injury.
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.
Definition of a ground fault:
Instead of following its normal safe path,
electricity passes through a person’s body to
reach the ground. For example, a defective
appliance can cause a ground fault.
An OBC AF/GF does not protect against
circuit overloads, short circuits or against
shock hazards.
3. Should you install it?
Installing a AF/GF receptacle 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 AF/GF receptacle
correctly.
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 AF/GF. If there is only
one cable entering the electrical box, it is the
LINE cable. This cable should be connected to
the AF/GF’s LINE terminals only.
LOAD cable:
Delivers power from the AF/GF to another
receptacle in the circuit. This cable should be
connected to the AF/GF’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 must turn OFF.
6. Identify cables/wires
Important:
Do not install the AF/GF receptacle 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), follow
the procedure to the right. The receptacle
is probably in position A or B (see diagram
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.
(c) Determine if power is flowing to the
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 AF/GF’s features
• To prevent severe shock or electrocution,
always turn the power OFF at the service
panel before working with wiring.
• Use this AF/GF receptacle with copper
or copper-clad wire. Do not use it with
aluminum wire.
• Do not install this AF/GF receptacle
on a circuit that powers life support
equipment because if the AF/GF trips
it will shut down the equipment.
• Must be installed in accordance with
national and local electrical codes.
• This Outlet Branch Circuit AF/GF must
be installed as the first outlet in the
branch circuit.
• If the device trips, note the trip code
(blinking LED pattern) before the device
is reset in order to diagnose the cause of
the trip
CAUTION
!
Please read this leaflet
completely before
getting started.
20A AFGF
15A
AFGF
Receptacle
Outlet
Outlet
Mounting
Bracket
RESET
button:
See step 8
TEST button:
See step 8
Amber LED
(Trip Indicator)
Red LED
(End of Life
Indicator)
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 AF/GF must
be placed as the first outlet in the circuit.
Sample circuit:
Always place Outlet Branch Circuit Type
AF/GF in position A. All outlets of the
protected branch, including lighting and
receptacle outlets, must be connected to
the load side of the AF/GF.
LOAD
Service
Panel
LOAD
C
BA
LINE
LINE
LINE
MONTHLY
TEST RESET
TEST
SEE INSTRUCTIONS
BACK VIEWFRONT 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 AF/GF
Receptacle
www.eaton.com
www.eaton.com/wiringdevices
EIS-0166-E (REV. A)
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