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WealthyMarmot t1_ja52j9s wrote

To add to the other answers:

Many jurisdictions require you to add AFCI protection whenever you replace an outlet in an AFCI-required area (which is now most of the house, and I'd expect bathrooms to be added before long). The best way to solve all your problems is GFCI/AFCI breakers for those circuits, but you may have problems finding those affordably (or at all) for some old panels.

Note that AFCI receptacles work like GFCIs in that they'll protect everything downstream, so if you don't or can't go the breaker route, it might be worth it to find the first outlet on the circuit via trial-and-error and just swap that one with a combo outlet.

If you have to prioritize financially, always take care of GFCIs first. That's life safety.

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Smorgas_of_borg t1_ja5r3t0 wrote

I thought AFCIs were only required in multi-unit residential buildings.

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WealthyMarmot t1_ja5tqxr wrote

Nope. They're required in basically all dwellings now. There are like two rooms left where they're not mandatory, and I expect those exceptions will disappear soon.

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Smorgas_of_borg t1_ja7d14m wrote

Sounds like the guy who invented them must be in with somebody at NFPA

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WealthyMarmot t1_ja977ds wrote

The conspiracy theories abound on electrician forums, let me tell you.

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