Code questions on residential

[Joseph mulherin]

I started a electrical contracting company, and I am doing residential work for the first time in 17 years and the code has changed a lot, I need to know the code requirements. For instance arc fault breakers go in the panel for everything except???? And since your putting the gfi breakers in, would you still need gfi in the required locations.

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[JFletcher]

You will need to know what NEC and/or building code cycle your state is on to know about the AFCI reqs. Here, they are only required for bedrooms (VA, 2012 IRC). Not sure what makes of CB are dual rated for GFI and AFCI, but, again here, we use GFCI outlets (say in the kitchen) as first device then feed the remaining from its load side.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I started a electrical contracting company, and I am doing residential work for the first time in 17 years and the code has changed a lot, I need to know the code requirements. For instance arc fault breakers go in the panel for everything except???? And since your putting the gfi breakers in, would you still need gfi in the required locations.

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I suggest you read art. 210.12

 

[benedetti]

Definitely read the current Code for your jurisdiction and any local amendments. Residential rules are changing every Code cycle and local jurisdictions are amending them just as fast. Good luck.




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[kwired]

For instance arc fault breakers go in the panel for everything except???? And since your putting the gfi breakers in, would you still need gfi in the required locations.

You possibly have some confusion here, GFCI and AFCI are not the same thing and have separate sections with requirements. Only recently have some manufacturers come out with breakers that provide both types of protection - but only more recently are we seeing more areas requiring both types of protection on same circuit.

Do not confuse "dual function" GFCI/AFCI breakers with "combination AFCI" breakers. The combination AFCI's provide both series and parallel arc protection, their predecessors did not. This change occurred fairly early on in the history of AFCI protection requirements and we have been required to use "combination type" since then. That type is all that has been available (in the circuit breaker units) since that change occurred, or at least until old stock ran out and/or newer codes were adopted within a specific jurisdiction.

 

[Joseph mulherin]

I am not confusing the two, where are arc fault required in a house, is the question

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[George Stolz]

I am not confusing the two, where are arc fault required in a house, is the question

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See 210.12.

 

[JDB3]

I would also like to suggest the "PDF" (I think) version of the NEC of the year that you are under. Put in AFCI & Arc Fault as well as GFCI & Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to see all that is brought up. I have found that things are "scattered" around, so look at them all.

 

[kwired]

I am not confusing the two, where are arc fault required in a house, is the question

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My reply was mostly prompted by:

And since your putting the gfi breakers in, would you still need gfi in the required locations.

It got me to wonder if you thought "combination type AFCI" meant GFCI and AFCI protection - this is somewhat commonly misunderstood.

Otherwise for areas that require GFCI protection - it doesn't matter if it is at the outlet or somewhere upstream, once the GFCI is properly connected to the circuit all downstream components are protected.

There have been GFCI protection requirements since 16 years ago as well but if you installed to 1999 NEC you possibly could get by in some instances without needing to change too much related to GFCI after inspector comes in - for dwellings.

Biggest changes since then is
-there is no more "dedicated equipment" receptacles permitted without GFCI in areas that otherwise require GFCI
-any receptacle within six feet of any sink needs protected. Many already were required but now it is basically all of them
-the dishwasher requires it (for the wrong reasons IMO)
-GFCI devices must be readily accessible.