FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
SmartlockPro
®
Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Receptacle

Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
201 North Service Road, Melville, NY 11747-3138, 1-800-323-8920 Tech Line: 1-800-824-3005 Fax: [phone] www.leviton.com/dfci
© 2016 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Subject to change without notice.
 What is the difference between an AFCI and a GFCI?
The function of an AFCI is to provide protection against potentially dangerous arc-
faults helping to reduce the likelihood of the home's electrical system being an
ignition source of a fire, potentially injuring people and damaging homes. The
function of a GFCI is to directly protect people from the potentially fatal hazards of
electric shock that could occur if parts of an electrical appliance or tool they are using
become energized due to a ground fault. The Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Receptacle
contains both technologies and offers both fire and shock protection in one smart
device.
 Why would I need a receptacle that has both AFCI and GFCI protection?
In 2014, the National Electrical Code
®
(NEC
®
) introduced AFCI requirements for
kitchens and laundry rooms. The code had previously required that these locations
needed only GFCI protection, but for added safety they are now required to have
both AFCI and GFCI protection.
Additionally, there has long been a requirement for adding GFCI protection when
replacing non-grounding type receptacles. Newer requirements include adding AFCI
protection when replacing receptacles in various locations such as living rooms and
bedrooms. The Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Receptacle provides an ideal solution for
replacing receptacles in these circumstances.
 Does every receptacle in my home have to be a Dual Function AFCI/GFCI?
No. The latest National Electrical Code requires both AFCI and GFCI protection only
in kitchens and laundry rooms. And within those rooms, the Dual Function
AFCI/GFCI Receptacle provides what is called “feed-through” protection, which
means it provides protection for all wiring and extensions attached to the load side.
If the Dual Function AFCI/GFCI replaces the first receptacle in the branch circuit, it
will provide protection to the remaining outlets on that circuit.
 How do I know where the first outlet in the branch circuit is?
Unless you are familiar with your home’s wiring, contact an electrician. If you are
comfortable with replacing receptacles, to begin, TURN THE BREAKER OFF AND
US A HAND HELD VOLTAGE TESTER TO CONFIRM POWER IS OFF at the outlet
that you believe is the most likely to be first in the circuit. Remove the outlet and cap
the wires. Turn the breaker back on and test the other outlets. If you chose correctly,
all the others will be dead. If you chose incorrectly, TURN THE BREAKER OFF and
put the original outlet back in and try another. Repeat the process until the first
receptacle in the circuit is found.
 Does the self-test (auto-monitoring) feature in the Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Receptacle
apply to both the GFCI and AFCI functionality?
No. Self-test is required as a standard for GFCI functionality. It works by periodically
checking internal device components and trips on detection of a ground fault. There
are no specific self-test requirements for the AFCI functionality.
 Does the Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Receptacle require a neutral wire to work?
Yes, all outlets require a neutral wire to work.