Hendrix
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
From how I read it, all service upgrades now have to include AFCI breakers.
What do the rest of you think:?
What do the rest of you think:?
2011 service change
- Thread starter Hendrix
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I think not. AFCI is only required if the circuit is extended or modified. I have a proposal in to explain this further so that added 2 feet of wire to reach the new panel would not require afci.
I agree that a panel change would not constitute AFCI breakers be installed. You do bring up a good point about "extensions" that may have to be made to the branch circuits to reach the new panel. I can see some inspectors requiring AFCI if that is done although I don't think that it is necessary.
Pete
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I know bob disagrees with me as the code is written. I have to say he has a point but I am not sure what the intent is. My feeling, and that is all it is, if an outlet of any short is added that changes the circuitry then I believe the AFCI is required.
Sierrasparky
Senior Member
- Location
- USA
- Occupation
- Electrician ,contractor
I disagree with your assumtion of the intent. I think the clarification was made so that AFCI is iinstalled in a panel change such as you describe just as a GFCI is installed when you replace the outlet in a required area.
You as I may not like it, but that may be the intention.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Well the wording is clear if there is a panel change and no addition of wiring then afci is not required. The section specifically states modification to the branch circuit wiring. Now adding a few inches to the circuit would be an ahj call.
jumper
Senior Member
- Location
- 3 Hr 2 Min from Winged Horses
I agree with Dennis. I read through the ROPs and ROCs and do not believe this applies to panel changes.
There was was a ROP that was rejected that addressed this.
There was was a ROP that was rejected that addressed this.
John120/240
Senior Member
- Location
- Olathe, Kansas
GFCI are a proven product that work as promised. Changing some recptacles in kitchen or
bath is not a problem. AFCI are still prone to too many nusiance trips IMHO. Although an older
home might be where they offer more benifit. What do we do What do we do
- Status