AFCI Protection of Branch circuit extension

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

mhanson

Member
Location
Redwood City, CA
Occupation
General Journeyman Electrician
Interpretation of 210.12(D)
Good morning all. Extension of a branch circuit from a residential Knob &Tube receptacle in a bedroom, I was told by an instructor that the AFCI protection is required at the point of extension. In reading this article I'm not clear if the AFCI protection is required for the entire branch circuit?
 
Either one.
Your fuse panel will not have allowances for AFCI, so use a device. Look in Article 406 for additional requirements. The no EG adds a GFCI requirement.

We use dual function devices for extending, adding or changing devices in areas that require AFCI and have no EG.
 
ptonsparky said:
Either one.
Your fuse panel will not have allowances for AFCI, so use a device. Look in Article 406 for additional requirements. The no EG adds a GFCI requirement.

We use dual function devices for extending, adding or changing devices in areas that require AFCI and have no EG.
Click to expand...
Thank you,
So your saying that the AFCI receptacle should be added at the point of extension? and, I am also able to add it to the the first receptacle in the branch circuit? Although in a K&T installation it will not be easy to identify the first outlet, and also K&T shares a neutral, which will not work with the AFCI.
Mh
 
You will need to add it at the point of extension, not the whole circuit. Your instructor is correct.
You are correct with the issues of K&T.

FWIW. We have placed the entire K&T circuit(s) on one CB and protected it with an AFCI. These projects included removing all but the the general lighting and receptacles from the K&T. YMMV. The homes we deal with have two K&T circuits at best. My guys were good at finding issues, if any.
 
ptonsparky said:
You will need to add it at the point of extension, not the whole circuit. Your instructor is correct.
Click to expand...

I must be missing where the Code says that. 210.12(D) seems to suggest that either the entire circuit be protected or that the circuit be protected at the first outlet.
 
210.12(D)(2) A listed outlet branch-circuit-type AFCI located at the first
receptacle outlet of the existing branch circuit.

Doesn't say first receptacle of extension.
 
Also wanted to add.

Existing receptacles can be replaced with GFCI receptacles or the existing circuit can be GFCI protected. If the existing 2-wire circuit is extended an EGC is required for the extension.
 
curt swartz said:
210.12(D)(2) A listed outlet branch-circuit-type AFCI located at the first
receptacle outlet of the existing branch circuit.

Doesn't say first receptacle of extension.
Click to expand...
Yes, this is where my confusion comes in. Remember this section is specifically for Extensions and modifications. So it's a reasonable thought that this section is referring to the first receptacle of the extension.?
Mh
 
mhanson said:
Yes, this is where my confusion comes in. Remember this section is specifically for Extensions and modifications. So it's a reasonable thought that this section is referring to the first receptacle of the extension.?
Mh
Click to expand...
I think the language is clear that it means the entire circuit, not the extension.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top