Arc fault protection breaker

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Asem Sallam

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Design Engineer
I am a bit confused about the requirements for arc fault protection. If we relocate the load more than 6 feet from the main service, Then we need to add arc fault protection. What about if I relocate the meter and the whole main service panel (MSP)? Is this also required? Additionally, should we consider voltage drop for the home load?
 
The arc-fault requirement is for specific branch circuits in dwelling units (and a few other premises) so it only applies to branch circuits.
In addition, if you extend a branch circuit that is supplying an arc-fault required area, and that extension is over 6 ft then that branch circuit must be arc-fault protected.

As far as the NEC is concerned, voltage drop consideration is not required for dwelling loads It is, however, a design consideration.
 
augie47 said:
The arc-fault requirement is for specific branch circuits in dwelling units (and a few other premises) so it only applies to branch circuits.
In addition, if you extend a branch circuit that is supplying an arc-fault required area, and that extension is over 6 ft then that branch circuit must be arc-fault protected.
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perfect, but what is the extension reference from us MSP or from the service drop?
 
Perfect, we need to add an AFCI breaker if we extend more than 6 ft. But now, if I relocate the meter and the entire breaker, is there a requirement for an AFCI breaker? I consider the Main Service Panel (MSP) and meter as the source. If I relocate any load more than 6 ft from the MSP, do we have to add an AFCI breaker? Otherwise, for all sub-panels in the house that have breakers far away, must we add AFCI breakers for the entire panel?
 
Any alteration to the service itself or to any feeders to sub-panels would not involve AFCI requirements IMO.
Only alterations to branch circuits.
(I/m basing that on the 2017 NEC...may be changes in later additions)
 
augie47 said:
?? sorry, don't follow your question.
Click to expand...
Perfect, we need to add an AFCI breaker if we extend more than 6 ft. But now, if I relocate the meter and the entire breaker, is there a requirement for an AFCI breaker? I consider the Main Service Panel (MSP) and meter as the source. If I relocate any load more than 6 ft from the MSP, do we have to add an AFCI breaker? Otherwise, for all sub-panels in the house that have breakers far away, must we add AFCI breakers for the entire panel?
augie47 said:
Any alteration to the service itself or to any feeders to sub-panels would not involve AFCI requirements IMO.
Only alterations to branch circuits.
(I/m basing that on the 2017 NEC...may be changes in later additions)
Click to expand...
that is amazing can you please mention it which article in 2017 ?
 
If you leave the panel in place and feed it with a new feeder, then you haven't moved any of the old circuits. Even updating the panel and not moving it, or moving it less than 6', you still don't need to AFCI anything. You can install a new service if you can't put it in the old location. Then, run a feeder from there to the old panel location. Any new 120V 15A or 20A circuit in the new service would need an AFCI breaker if that circuit has outlets in any of the AFCI listed rooms (which is most room types except bathrooms and furnace rooms).
 
augie47 said:
Any alteration to the service itself or to any feeders to sub-panels would not involve AFCI requirements IMO.
Only alterations to branch circuits
(I/m basing that on the 2017 NEC...may be changes in later additions)
Click to expand...
Since 2011 406.4(D)(4) most states require AFCI for receptacle replacements.

Ignorance is no excuse for broken laws. Neither are panel flipper's excused if HO replaced receptacles missing AFCI's.

"Joint & Several Liability" can make a 1% responsible contractor --for installing wrong parts-- 100% liable for damages.

Damages are often attributed to electrical regardless of actual cause, including fire from cooking meth.
 
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ramsy said:
Since 2011 406.4(D)(4) most states require AFCI for receptacle replacements.

Ignorance is no excuse for broken laws. Neither are panel flipper's excused if HO replaced receptacles missing AFCI's.

"Joint & Several Liability" can make a 1% responsible contractor --for installing wrong parts-- 100% liable for damages.

Damages are often attributed to electrical regardless of actual cause, including fire from cooking meth.
Click to expand...

The hard part is "Recovery" and our court system. For me on a Mechanic's Lien, it took me 5 years.
 
Then, on the day of the trial ... to be settled in the hallway outside of the courtroom for attorney fees !
 
ramsy said:
There is no statue of limitations for construction defect negligence.
Click to expand...

Contracting is a serious business. One of my first experience was a small shopping center. Did my due diligence and submitted my bid.

I was overjoyed. They accepted my bid. Went to sign the contract, and they asked me if my bid included the lighting ? I said the plans stated not to include the lighting, because the tenants haven't been selected and they didn't know where the walls would be. I said no. That was my first experience with a General Contractor.
 
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