Our jacuzzi tub pump in our master bath is connected to a standard outlet downstream of a blank face AFCI like this (or this). After testing with a multimeter, I have determined that the AFCI is dead. Is there any reason I cannot replace the blank face with a AFCI outlet like this? It will give us a benefit of having an outlet in our master closet and may be slightly less expensive.

Here's a picture during construction with the box locations:

The existing, dead device is just an AFCI receptacle without plug-in parts. You can replace it with an AFCI receptacle, connect the normal Jacuzzi receptacle to the load terminals, and the net effect will be the same.

The bigger question is why somebody used an AFCI device to protect a Jacuzzi. It requires GFCI protection, not AFCI. The concern isn't an arcing fault like a busted lamp cord catching curtains on fire, the concern is the water. I'd replace the AFCI with a GFCI.

From the 2014 NEC

quote:

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VII. Hydromassage Bathtubs

680.71 Protection. Hydromassage bathtubs and their associated electrical components shall be on an individual branch circuit(s) and protected by a readily accessible ground-fault circuit interrupter.

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Thanks Underoos. I'll definitely double check the part number / type of existing protection and look at replacing with a GFCI. That concerns me if it is actually an AFCI. Appreciate the code reference.

I assume there will be an access panel to gain access to that receptacle, otherwise you have another no no on your hands!

Yes, the side of the tub comes off - it did come up when I walked around with the builder and inspector.

Okay, just wanted to make sure!

Definitely appreciate that!

If that is actually an AFCI I would ***** out your electrician.

My thoughts exactly. It is a GFCI, I double-checked last night.

Swapped one of those blank faced GFCIs for one with outlets. Not sure why it was blank, but my house hasn't burned down as of yet.