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How to Wire Smart AFCI/GFCI Breaker in a Smart Load Center

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How to Wire Combination of Smart AFCI/GFCI Breakers in a 120/240V Smart Electric Panel

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What is a Dual-Function AFCI/GFCI Breaker?

A dual-function AFCI/GFCI breaker is a circuit breaker that combines both Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (AFCI) protection and Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) protection in a single device. It is installed in the service panel and protects the entire branch circuit from the breaker to the last outlet. This type of breaker is commonly used to meet safety requirements in the National Electrical Code where both forms of protection are mandated.

The AFCI portion of the breaker is designed to detect dangerous arcing conditions in wiring, such as those caused by loose connections, damaged conductors, or deteriorated insulation. Arc faults can generate high temperatures capable of igniting surrounding materials, creating a fire hazard. When abnormal arcing signatures are detected, the breaker trips to interrupt the circuit and reduce fire risk.

The GFCI portion monitors the current flowing between the ungrounded (hot) and grounded (neutral) conductors. If it detects an imbalance (typically around 5 milliamps) indicating current leakage to ground, it trips almost instantly to protect people from electric shock. By combining both technologies into one device, a dual-function breaker provides comprehensive protection against both fire and shock hazards on the same circuit.

Code Requirements:

The NEC does not explicitly state, “use a dual-function breaker.” However, NEC 210.8 requires GFCI protection, while NEC 210.12 requires AFCI protection in areas such as bedrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and similar locations. When a branch circuit requires both types of protection, a dual-function breaker that provides both AFCI and GFCI protection is typically the most practical solution, rather than installing separate devices.

As the code requires both both arc-fault protection and ground-fault protection for 15A/20A – 120V branch circuits in such areas, a single dual-function breaker a compliant, efficient solution for the entire circuit.

In a dwelling unit, If the circuit is in a living area (AFCI zone) and it serves a location listed in 210.8 (GFCI zone), you need both protections.

All 120V, 15A & 20A receptacle circuits serving kitchen countertops require both AFCI and GFCI protection. In this case, electrician installs an AFCI breaker + GFCI receptacle or a dual-function breaker to comply with 210.8 for GFCI and 210.12 for AFCI protection.

Good to Know: A combo of AFCI and GFCI breakers satisfies both NEC 210.12 (AFCI) and NEC 210.8 (GFCI) for personnel protection in one device.

Smart AFCI/GFCI Breakers

Similar to smart branch circuit breakers and smart GFCI breakers, dual-function smart AFCI/GFCI breakers are available from manufacturers such as Leviton. These plug-on, second-generation AFCI/GFCI branch circuit breakers with remote-control capability are available in 15A (LB115-DST) and 20A (LB120-DST) ratings for 120V circuits, with a short-circuit current rating (SCCR) of 10 kA.

They integrate with the My Leviton app, allowing remote ON/OFF control, scheduling of breaker operation, and monitoring of operational history to support home energy management and automation.

Good to Know: 2nd-Gen smart AFCI/GFCI breakers are designed for use with Leviton load centers (such as LP220-BPD) and require either the LDATA Hub or the Whole Home Energy Monitor (LWHEM) installed in the panel to enable smart functionality.

Wiring a Combo of Smart AFCI/GFCI Branch Circuit Breaker

Installing AFCI/GFCI Breaker

Turn OFF the main breaker in the main panel or upstream disconnect. Confirm power is OFF using a contact-less tester.
Remove the panel cover to access the breaker mounting area. 1-P breaker snap over a single slot (busbar) and occupies 1 space in the panel.
Place breaker handle to OFF and snap it onto the panel bus.
Terminate all connections about 25 in.-lbs or as per torque value given on the back side of the device.

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Wiring Load Conductors

Since the 2nd generation smart combo of AFCI/GFCI breakers are available only as 1-Pole with current rating of 15A and 20A, hence, the wiring method is same i.e.

Strip 0.4 inch (≈10 mm) of insulation from the load conductor and connect as to the breaker as follow.

Connect the Hot (black) conductor from the load to the brass screw of breaker
Connect the Neutral (white) conductor from the load to the silver screw of the beaker.
Connect the Ground (bare or green) from the load to the ground busbar in the main panel.

Warning: In all cases when required, the load neutral must be connected to the Neutral terminal (marked with “N”) on the breaker, not to the neutral busbar in the main panel. The ground conductor must be bonded to panel grounding bus, not the breaker.

This configuration is shown in the following wiring diagram, where a 1-pole, 120V 2nd generation smart AFCI/GFCI breaker is wired with #14 AWG conductors to protect a 15A/120V (NEMA 5-15) standard outlet.

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Replace panel covers to make sure labels/handles are visible. Restore power at the main breaker and turn the smart GFCI/AFCI breaker ON. If the breaker doesn’t stay ON or trips immediately, re-verify neutral and load wiring. For troubleshooting, refer to the LED status indicator section given below.

Testing

Turn main breaker or sub-panel feeder breaker ON to restore panel power. Move the AFCI/GFCI breaker handle from OFF to the the ON position.

If the breaker stays ON and the handle window shows green, wiring is correct and the unit is operational.
If it will not reset, recheck wiring, check the LED status indicator troubleshooting table or consult an electrician.

Good to Know: To add and enable the AFCI/GFCI breaker’s smart functions, use the My Leviton App and the Getting Started Guide.

Diagnostic Table of LED Status Indictor

The following table shows the troubleshooting and diagnostic of smart AFCI/GFCI breakers using the LED status indicator on it.

Smart AFCI/GFCI Breaker LED Status Indicator
Breaker Handel	AF LED	GF LED	ON/OFF LED	Device Status
Green	OFF	OFF	OFF	ON
Green	OFF	OFF	ON – Solid	Remote OFF
Red	OFF	OFF	OFF	Short-circuit / Overload Trip
Red	ON Solid	OFF	OFF	Series Arc Fault Trip
Red	OFF	On – Solid	OFF	Ground Fault Trip
Red	ON – Blinking OFF	OFF ON – Blinking	OFF	1 Sec. Delay – Parallel Arc Fault Trip 3 sec Delay – Neutral Miswired
Red	ON – Blinking	ON – Blinking	OFF	0.1 Sec. Delay – Replace Breaker
White	OFF	OFF	OFF	Manual OFF

Precaution:

Always disconnect the power supply by switching OFF the main breaker before performing any electrical work.
Never install AFCI, GFCI, AFCI/GFCI or GFPE breakers on circuits with shared neutrals, false or unwanted trips will occur.
Do not use AFCI/GFCI branch circuit breakers for life-support equipment in hospitals and health services units because the nuisance tripping of the device will cut power to the equipment.
GFCI/AFCI must be installed using copper / copper-clade conductors only.
If you are unsure about any step, consult a licensed electrician to ensure the installation complies with applicable local electrical codes and regulations.
Exercise extreme caution when working with electricity. Improper handling can result in serious injury, property damage, or death.
If you are unsure about any step, consult a licensed electrician to ensure the installation complies with applicable local electrical codes and regulations.
The author assumes no liability for any loss, injury, or damage resulting from the use or misinterpretation of this information, or from improper installation of any circuit.

Resources:

Smart Devices Wiring Series

Main Panels Wiring Tutorials

Wiring Smart / Standard GFCI & Breakers

Wiring Smart / General Outlets & GFCI/AFCI Receptacles

Switches Wiring

Sizing Breakers, Wires, and Panels

Finding the Number of Breakers/Outlets in a Circuit

General Wiring Installation Tutorials:

How to Wire Smart AFCI/GFCI Breaker in a Smart Load Center

How to Wire Combination of Smart AFCI/GFCI Breakers in a 120/240V Smart Electric Panel