AFCI New Jersey

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finster1

Member
Location
New Jersey
I would like to share with you that today I found out that here in New Jersey you do not need to add AFCI for a new circuit unless it is outside the footprint of the original of the residence like an added on room, not a remodel. So I had a subpanel and installed 8 GFCI's that weren't absolutly necessary, although still a good idea.....no one wants to pay the premium
 
GUNNING

GUNNING

Senior Member
Location
Gainesville, Florida
Just lookin out for the customers best interest.

Just lookin out for the customers best interest.

Just because it's not required as a "minimum standard", doesn't mean you cant put CAFCI's in. Code is minimum, giving good service to your customer is a great idea. Ask them how much they value the safety of their loved ones? What price to keep them safe? Tell them its the current code. Tell them for a small fee you would replace them with something less current and more practical.
 
goldstar

goldstar

Senior Member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
As a matter of fact, under the NJ Rehab Code you can gut a house down to the studs, change the interior configuration by rebuilding new rooms or remodeling a kitchen and as long as it's within the same footprint of the house you're not required to add new circuits (unless they're a specific requirement of an appliance) or change receptacles to TR's. But as Gunning mentioned there's nothing stopping you from making those changes.

Once you change the footprint of the house by bumping out and adding an addition or raising the elevation higher than the existing structure, those portions of the house (if NEC Code required) will have to have AFCI protection and TR receptacles.
 
B

bgeorge

Member
Location
New Jersey
Only if you choose to use the 2008......the REHAB codes are not updated yet, so untill they are the 2005 code applies..unless,as stated, a new branch circuit is pulled...then the AFCI protection must be installed. You can reuse an existing branch circuit, and no AFCI protection is needed.
 
R

robwire

Member
Location
USA
goldstar said:
You need to call the DCA and get clarification.
Click to expand...


Why is that? I was at the inspectors class on this. Read what the DCA has published about it. It says NOTHING about "Footprint"

N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7(c)3i already allows for the
replacement of any receptacle, including those with
ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection (Section
210.8 of the 2008 NEC).
Example: A standard receptacle is to be
replaced in a bedroom. This replacement
receptacle would be required to be a tamperresistant
type and would not require a permit.
N.J.A.C. 5:23-6.8(d)3 already exempts the
requirements for branch circuits (Section 210.11 of
the 2008 NEC). We intend to exempt arc-fault
circuit-interrupter protection (Section 210.12 of the
2008 NEC) at this section of the Rehabilitation
Subcode.
Example: A conductor is to be replaced with a
new one that contains loads that do not exceed
the original branch circuit. The existing branch
circuit does not need to be replaced with one
that has arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection.
However, if a new branch circuit is installed and
serves a bedroom, then arc-fault circuitinterrupter
protection is required.
 
S

satcom

Senior Member
robwire said:
Why is that? I was at the inspectors class on this. Read what the DCA has published about it. It says NOTHING about "Footprint"

N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7(c)3i already allows for the
replacement of any receptacle, including those with
ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection (Section
210.8 of the 2008 NEC).
Example: A standard receptacle is to be
replaced in a bedroom. This replacement
receptacle would be required to be a tamperresistant
type and would not require a permit.
N.J.A.C. 5:23-6.8(d)3 already exempts the
requirements for branch circuits (Section 210.11 of
the 2008 NEC). We intend to exempt arc-fault
circuit-interrupter protection (Section 210.12 of the
2008 NEC) at this section of the Rehabilitation
Subcode.
Example: A conductor is to be replaced with a
new one that contains loads that do not exceed
the original branch circuit. The existing branch
circuit does not need to be replaced with one
that has arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection.
However, if a new branch circuit is installed and
serves a bedroom, then arc-fault circuitinterrupter
protection is required.
Click to expand...

I must of fell asleep when they talked about footprint, or It may be mind is rusty. Where is footprint noted?
 
R

RICK NAPIER

Senior Member
Location
New Jersey
? 5:23-6.3 Definitions
 ?Addition? means an increase in the footprint area of a building or an increase in the average height of the highest roof surface or the number of stories of a building.
? 5:23-6.32 Additions

(a) Any addition to a building or structure shall comply with the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code applicable to new construction.
These two sections are the ones that apply as you can see increasing the footprint or raising the roof height is required to be considered an addition. The addition would fall under 2008 NEC and renevations, repairs or alterations would be 2005 NEC.
 
S

satcom

Senior Member
RICK NAPIER said:
? 5:23-6.3 Definitions
 ?Addition? means an increase in the footprint area of a building or an increase in the average height of the highest roof surface or the number of stories of a building.
? 5:23-6.32 Additions

(a) Any addition to a building or structure shall comply with the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code applicable to new construction.
These two sections are the ones that apply as you can see increasing the footprint or raising the roof height is required to be considered an addition. The addition would fall under 2008 NEC and renevations, repairs or alterations would be 2005 NEC.
Click to expand...

Thank you,

I thought my mind was going.
 
goldstar

goldstar

Senior Member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
robwire said:
Why is that? I was at the inspectors class on this. Read what the DCA has published about it. It says NOTHING about "Footprint"

N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7(c)3i already allows for the
replacement of any receptacle, including those with
ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection (Section
210.8 of the 2008 NEC).
Example: A standard receptacle is to be
replaced in a bedroom. This replacement
receptacle would be required to be a tamperresistant
type and would not require a permit.
N.J.A.C. 5:23-6.8(d)3 already exempts the
requirements for branch circuits (Section 210.11 of
the 2008 NEC). We intend to exempt arc-fault
circuit-interrupter protection (Section 210.12 of the
2008 NEC) at this section of the Rehabilitation
Subcode.
Example: A conductor is to be replaced with a
new one that contains loads that do not exceed
the original branch circuit. The existing branch
circuit does not need to be replaced with one
that has arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection.
However, if a new branch circuit is installed and
serves a bedroom, then arc-fault circuitinterrupter
protection is required.
Click to expand...
I know, I know. I keep running into inspectors who have read the code on this and made their own interpretations. You should send Suzanne an e-mail at sborek@dca.state.nj.us or give her a call. Our contractors' association hires her to provide CEU accredited classes. I'm not sure who's giving your inspectors' classes but apparently I'm getting different information than you are.

NJ-DCA Phone # 609-984-7609
 
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F

finster1

Member
Location
New Jersey
October 20, 2009 (UPDATED February 3, 2010)
Subject: 2008 NEC and the Rehab Subcode
Updating the Rehabilitation Subcode to the NEC/2008 has been delayed. Therefore, the
Department is hereby reminding all code users that any work done in an existing building or
dwelling continues to be required to comply with the NEC/2005, which is referenced in the
rehabilitation subcode, materials and methods, N.J.A.C. 5:23- 6.8(d).
For example, when an existing service panel is changed or upgraded, no AFCI is required.
However, an addition to an existing building is new construction. The addition only is required
to comply with the 2008 NEC. Work in the existing building continues to be required to comply
with NEC/2005. For dwelling units, AFCI for the addition will be required only if a new branch
circuit is provided. It is important to remember that existing circuits in the existing dwelling
may continue to be used.
Finally, if a permit applicant chooses to use the 2008 NEC, guidance is included in the Fall 2009
edition of the Construction Code Communicator.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Borek
Code Specialist
State of New Jersey
Division of Codes and Standards
Code Assistance Unit
(609) 984-7609
 
R

robwire

Member
Location
USA
finster1 said:
Wow, I thought here we help one another not bash one another....................
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Exactly,

This guy even sent me a pm telling me to "Check with Susanne" WHY? I can read!!!

I have the same exact letter you posted,there it is in black and white straight from the AHJ. AGAIN!



Quit crying about having to use AFCIs. Put them in and charge accordingly.
 
goldstar

goldstar

Senior Member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
robwire said:
Exactly,

This guy even sent me a pm telling me to "Check with Susanne" WHY? I can read!!!

I have the same exact letter you posted,there it is in black and white straight from the AHJ. AGAIN!



Quit crying about having to use AFCIs. Put them in and charge accordingly.
Click to expand...
Actually, I sent you a PM in an effort to help clear things up and to show respect to others in this forum by not airing dirty laundry here in the forum. You've chosen not to respond to my PM but rather air this out in the open for all to witness.

So, let's analyze what I said versus what you said. I made the following statements :
As a matter of fact, under the NJ Rehab Code you can gut a house down to the studs, change the interior configuration by rebuilding new rooms or remodeling a kitchen and as long as it's within the same footprint of the house you're not required to add new circuits (unless they're a specific requirement of an appliance) or change receptacles to TR's. But as Gunning mentioned there's nothing stopping you from making those changes.

Once you change the footprint of the house by bumping out and adding an addition or raising the elevation higher than the existing structure, those portions of the house (if NEC Code required) will have to have AFCI protection and TR receptacles.
Click to expand...
You made the following statements :
Actually your both wrong

http://www.state.nj.us/dca/codes/ccc...on_article.pdf

If you add a new branch circuit you need an AFCI end of story
Click to expand...
The letter from the DCA states :
For dwelling units, AFCI for the addition will be required only if a new branch circuit is provided.
Click to expand...

You made it a point to mention that you can read. Did you happen to read the words FOR THE ADDITION or did you miss that part ?

My statements still stand and I am correct. Why don't you take my advice and place a call to the DCA or send an e-mail so we can put this behind us ?
 
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