Does the AFCI outlet require a neutral wire to work? June 11, 2021 16:52 Updated Follow Yes, all outlets require a neutral wire to work. Related articles Can an AFCI outlet and a GFCI outlet be used on the same circuit? How do I know where the first outlet in the branch circuit is? Does every outlet in my home have to be an AFCI? Can Decora Edge outlets be rewired if needed for future applications?