What year were AFCI breakers required?

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) breakers were first officially introduced into the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the 1999 edition, with a mandatory effective date set for January 1, 2002. Initially, this code requirement applied strictly to 120-volt, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying bedroom outlets in residential dwelling units. Over subsequent NEC revision cycles, building safety committees expanded these requirements significantly. In later code editions, AFCI protection was gradually extended beyond bedrooms to encompass virtually all habitable living spaces, including hallways, living rooms, dining rooms, dens, closets, and eventually kitchens and laundry areas. You can troubleshoot electrical compliance easily by checking local building codes. You can verify that your panel complies when confirming that circuits in required living areas feature certified AFCI breakers.