2011 NEC art. 210.12(B) AFCI protection for Extensions or Modifications-Dwelling Unit

[Jack M]

Upgrading & installing new 200A service on exterior of house. No additions or modification to existing wiring inside the house. Inspector is asking for arc fault breakers in new panel for existing branch circuits in house. Are these arc fault breakers required?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Upgrading & installing new 200A service on exterior of house. No additions or modification to existing wiring inside the house. Inspector is asking for arc fault breakers in new panel for existing branch circuits in house. Are these arc fault breakers required?

IMO, absolutely not unless there is an amendment in your area. The NEC in no way implies that needs to be done and if you look at the proposals for the 2014 it will allow up to 6' extension as long as there is no outlet installed to the circuit. This is being allowed specifically for panel changes but may work in other situations as well.

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

Totally impractical considering the possible shared neutrals you may encounter.