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IRC Section E3608 — Overcurrent Protection

Updated Apr 3, 2026
Establishes circuit breaker and fuse sizing for electrical circuits.

Section E3608 specifies that overcurrent protection devices (circuit breakers and fuses) must be sized to protect circuit wiring. A 20-amp circuit breaker is used with 12-gauge wire (rated for 20 amps). A 15-amp circuit breaker is used with 14-gauge wire (rated for 15 amps). Oversizing the overcurrent protection allows excessive current flow that can damage equipment or start fires. Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) provide additional protection in wet locations including kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets. Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) detect dangerous arc faults created by damaged wiring or equipment. All bedroom circuits must have AFCI protection. Circuits in kitchens and bathrooms must have GFCI protection.

TAGS
ircelectricalovercurrent-protection
DETAILS
section
E3608
category
Electrical
code body
IRC
code year
2021
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