According to the 2008 code, what type of protection must all residential circuits have?

In residential wiring, the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) introduced specific protection requirements aimed at enhancing electrical safety in homes. One of the key aspects of this safety evolution was the implementation of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs).

GFCIs are crucial for preventing electrical shock in places where moisture is present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. By interrupting the circuit when they detect an imbalance between incoming and outgoing current, they provide essential protection from ground faults.

AFCIs were introduced to protect against electrical fires caused by arcing faults, which can occur in wiring installations. These devices monitor the electrical flow, and if an arc is detected, they quickly disconnect the circuit, significantly reducing the risk of fire caused by damaged wiring or faulty appliances.

In combination, having either GFCI or AFCI protection on all residential circuits meets the enhanced safety requirements set forth in the 2008 code. This has established a standard for electrical safety in residential environments, making the chosen answer the correct one, as it encompasses both types of critical protection needed to safeguard against electrical hazards in homes.