210.10

[monkey_man_100]

210.10 says that all outlets shall be arc fault. One of my supervisors says all switchs and outlet, another says only receptacles. Help me, I'm new at this.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

It is 210.12.

Which version of the NEC are you reading?

 

[mdshunk]

A receptacle is an outlet. A light fixture is a lighting outlet. A smoke detector is an outlet of some sort or another because it utilizes electricity to work. A switch is not an outlet, unless it is of the illuminated type. An ordinary switch that is in the bedroom that switches a load outside of the bedroom does not require arc fault protection under a plain interpretation of the code. Nonetheless, some inspectors seem to be requiring it. A switch that switches a load within the bedroom will necessarily be arc faulted, so that the load on that switch in that bedroom may be arc fault protected.

 

[monkey_man_100]

I have the 2002 code book

 

[iwire]

210.10 says that all outlets shall be arc fault. One of my supervisors says all switchs and outlet, another says only receptacles. Help me, I'm new at this.

That would be 210.12 and as of 2005 it requires all bedroom 15 and 20 amp 125 volt outlets to be arc fault protected.

Your supervisors need to read the Article 100 definition of outlet.

Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.

This means lights, smoke detectors, fans, receptacles and any other utilization equipment that uses a 15 or 20 amp 125 volt circuit are required to have the branch circuit arc fault protected.

In my opinion a switch is not an outlet but most times controls an outlet that needs arc fault protection.

 

[monkey_man_100]

Thanks for the help

 

[roger]

I agree 100% with Mdshunk, a switch is not an outlet and if it is part of a circuit not associated with the bedroom (such as a patio light for example) it does not have to be AFCI protected.

Now, as far as your supervisor is concerned, he may be speaking in the terms of the whole bedroom circuit which would be correct and would include the switches in that they are a part of the circuit.

The key is that AFCI protection is for the circuit not the devices.

Roger

 

[Dave85]

monkey_man_100,

You might want to get a new NEC2005 book and read up on some of the changes.

I like to keep up to date on all the codes and I think everyone should.

Also, you say your new to this... shouldn't you be learning the 2005 codes from the start?

 

[infinity]

monkey_man_100,

You might want to get a new NEC2005 book and read up on some of the changes.

I like to keep up to date on all the codes and I think everyone should.

Also, you say your new to this... shouldn't you be learning the 2005 codes from the start?

Although it may be a good idea to stay current with the 2005 NEC, it's more important to use the version of the book that is currently adopted in his jurisdiction. Many areas are still under the 2002 or 1999 NEC.