2011 AFCI Requirements?

[mrvaliant360]

Now that the 2011 NEC requires us to install AFCI protection on circuits listed in 210.12 when we make modifications, additions, etc. to existing non-AFCI protected branch circuits.
Is it correct in assuming that the 2008 NEC did not require us to install AFCI protection to existing non-AFCI protected branch circuits if we made modifications, additions, etc. ????

 

[al hildenbrand]

The 2008 NEC was silent about modifications done to an existing non-AFCI protected branch circuit in dwelling rooms and areas included in 210.12. In my opinion, the silence is open to interpretation. . . and, given the many different local AHJ stances on the matter, I think that's what happened.

Where I am, if I am east of the Mississippi, and I add an outlet on an existing dwelling branch circuit, I have to upgrade the overcurrent protection to an AFCI.

While west of the Mississippi, I don't have to add AFCI to the same installation.

When the new 2011 NEC 210.12(B) goes into effect, it looks like the enforcement east and west of the Mississippi will become consistent. I won't mind that.

 

[Strife]

Don't know about others, but I know I'll have a lot of fun explaining the customer why it'll cost $ 2,000.00+++ to install an additional outlet.

The 2008 NEC was silent about modifications done to an existing non-AFCI protected branch circuit in dwelling rooms and areas included in 210.12. In my opinion, the silence is open to interpretation. . . and, given the many different local AHJ stances on the matter, I think that's what happened.

Where I am, if I am east of the Mississippi, and I add an outlet on an existing dwelling branch circuit, I have to upgrade the overcurrent protection to an AFCI.

While west of the Mississippi, I don't have to add AFCI to the same installation.

When the new 2011 NEC 210.12(B) goes into effect, it looks like the enforcement east and west of the Mississippi will become consistent. I won't mind that.