Leviton Outlet Branch Circuit AFCI Receptacle Recognized as a "2013 Best New Home Product" by This Old House Magazine

MELVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Leviton SmartlockPro^® Outlet Branch Circuit (OBC) Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Receptacle was recognized as one of This Old House magazine's annual "Best New Home Products." An industry first, the AFCI Receptacle offers protection from potentially dangerous arc-faults that may lead to electrical fires resulting from damage in branch circuit wiring as well as extensions to branches such as appliances and cord sets.  

"Arc-fault protection is extremely important since arc-faults are often unseen and can occur anywhere in the home's electrical system, including within walls and at loose electrical connections," said Bill Grande, Leviton's Director of Safety Products. "We are very pleased that This Old House magazine recognizes the value of this product and its contribution to home electrical safety."

The SmartlockPro AFCI Receptacle is designed to detect a wide range of arcing electrical faults to help reduce the likelihood of the electrical system being an ignition source of a fire. They function by de-energizing the circuit downstream of the device upon which an arc-fault is detected to help prevent ignition and a resultant fire. AFCIs are now required by the National Electrical Code^® (NEC) in many areas throughout the home. In addition to requirements for new construction, NEC requirements for adding AFCI protection when replacing receptacles take effect staring in 2014.

The SmartlockPro AFCI Receptacle is also Tamper-Resistant in compliance with the latest NEC^® requirements. The receptacle's shutter mechanism is designed to block access to the contacts from most foreign objects for improved safety.

SmartlockPro AFCIs may be used on any wiring system as specified by the NEC and are easy to install in both new construction and retrofit applications. To learn more about Leviton Outlet Branch Circuit AFCI Receptacles and Code requirements in a particular state visit Leviton.com/afci and view the interactive presentation.

The device meets Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 1699A (Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters, Outlet Branch Circuit Type), the definitive standard for AFCIs and comes with a two-year limited product warranty. Available in White, Ivory, Light Almond, Gray, Black and Brown, the Leviton SmartlockPro AFCI Receptacle is compatible with Leviton's complete line of signature Decora^® wiring devices and wallplates.

The Leviton SmartlockPro AFCI Receptacle is available through Leviton's network of retail and electrical distribution channels, including their online store http://store.leviton.com/. For additional information on Leviton's SmartlockPro AFCI Receptacle, visit www.leviton.com/afci.  

About Leviton Residential 
Leviton residential products are the brand most preferred by builders and electrical contractors. Leviton's award winning lighting controls, wiring devices and home automation products help electrical industry professionals and homeowners create smart living environments that deliver energy savings, convenience, reliability and safety. Learn more at www.leviton.com/residential.

About Leviton 
Leviton is the smart choice, providing the most comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today's residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Leveraging more than a century of experience, Leviton helps customers create sustainable, intelligent environments through its electrical wiring devices, network and data center connectivity solutions, and lighting energy management systems. From switches and receptacles, to daylight harvesting controls, networking systems, and equipment for charging electric vehicles, Leviton solutions help customers achieve savings in energy, time and cost, all while enhancing safety. For more information, visit www.leviton.com, http://www.facebook.com/leviton, http://twitter.com/leviton or http://www.youtube.com/Levitonmfg.

TOH is a registered trademark of This Old House Ventures, Inc. Used by permission.

SOURCE Leviton