Water Heater installation in a laundry room-AFCI protection required?

[subman]

Im planning on wiring a small house that was totally gutted, bare to the studs. The homeowner wants to install a small water heater in the laundry room. This water heater requires a dedicated 15 amp circuit. Is AFCI protection required? Thanks for the help.

 

[augie47]

Depends on what Code cycle is in effect. After 2008, I would say yes.

 

[Smart $]

IMO, no. A laundry room is not specifically mentioned in the requirement, and I don't believe it to be a similar room or area to those that are specifically mentioned by name. Your AHJ may have a different interpretation.

 

[kwired]

If the circuit is 120 volts and 15 or 20 amps, and you are on 2014 NEC then probably yes. Not many spaces where you could put it where AFCI would not be required in 2014.

 

[augie47]

Thats what i was looking at:
2014:
(A) Dwelling Units.
All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and
20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in-
stalled in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining
rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms,
sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry ar-
eas, or similar rooms or areas

2008, No. Dont have my 2011 handy

 

[Sierrasparky]

Make it a 240 volt put a 2 pole breaker in and call it a day. The only difference is the 2 pole breaker and the disco.
Same wire ,

Sometimes we overthink things. I am one.

 

[Smart $]

Thats what i was looking at:
2014:
(A) Dwelling Units.
All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and
20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in-
stalled in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining
rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms,
sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry ar-
eas, or similar rooms or areas

2008, No. Dont have my 2011 handy

2011:
(A) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and
20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in
dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms,
parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation
rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas

 

[infinity]

NJ is under the 2011 so that would be applicable.

 

[Smart $]

NJ is under the 2011 so that would be applicable.

That is, no AFCI required in OP... right?

 

[infinity]

That is, no AFCI required in OP... right?

Yes, if the 2011 required it for laundry rooms then we would not need the added wording in the 2014.

 

[kwired]

Make it a 240 volt put a 2 pole breaker in and call it a day. The only difference is the 2 pole breaker and the disco.
Same wire ,

Sometimes we overthink things. I am one.

1500 watt and water heater in same sentence often has 120 volts in same sentence as well.:happyyes:

 

[Smart $]

1500 watt and water heater in same sentence often has 120 volts in same sentence as well.:happyyes:

Where'd you get the 1500 watt?

 

[Sierrasparky]

1500 watt and water heater in same sentence often has 120 volts in same sentence as well.:happyyes:

why limit 1500 watts. get a 240v and be done. that way you leave AFCI out of that sentence. hmy:

 

[iwire]

It's a total rewire situation, I doubt I would bother nitpicking about another AFCI or not. Just install one and keep the inspector from asking questions. The time wasted explaining could quickly cover the cost difference of the breakers.

 

[kwired]

Where'd you get the 1500 watt?

My bad - OP said dedicated 15 amp circuit. Still good chance this is maybe some instant hot water heater that goes under a sink maybe.

 

[kwired]

Where'd you get the 1500 watt?

why limit 1500 watts. get a 240v and be done. that way you leave AFCI out of that sentence. hmy:

As the electrician I am usually not the one selecting the water heater. I can make suggestions, but ultimately if they leave me with a 120 volt 15 or 20 amp unit - I must provide AFCI protection. I'm not certain what voltage selections are available for say insta-hot units commonly used under the sink, most I have seen were 120 volt.

I do know if you are looking at say 40 gallon or more storage heaters, 4500 watt 240 volt is just about all you are going to find at a big box store anyway.

 

[SceneryDriver]

Thats what i was looking at:
2014:
(A) Dwelling Units.
All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and
20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in-
stalled in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining
rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms,
sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas,
or similar rooms or areas

2008, No. Dont have my 2011 handy

Is the water heater going to be hardwired, or is it cord-and-plug? If hardwired, that negates the need for an AFCI, yes? (bolded underlined italics, added by me)


SceneryDriver

 

[iwire]

An outlet is a place where you supply equipment, you are thinking specifically of a receptacle outlet.

Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is
taken to supply utilization equipment.

Receptacle Outlet. An outlet where one or more receptacles
are installed.

There are lighting outlets as well.

Lighting Outlet. An outlet intended for the direct connection
of a lampholder or luminaire.

 

[kwired]

Is the water heater going to be hardwired, or is it cord-and-plug? If hardwired, that negates the need for an AFCI, yes? (bolded underlined italics, added by me)


SceneryDriver

No, look at art 100 definition of an "outlet", it is not limited to "cords, plugs, receptacles".

Every branch circuit has one or more "outlets".

If the branch circuit is 15 or 20 amps and 120 volts - it must be AFCI protected if it serves any spaces mentioned in 210.12. Fire alarm system is the only exception.