Adding AFCI protection for new lighting outlets on existing circuits

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Sierrasparky

Sierrasparky

Senior Member
Location
USA
Occupation
Electrician ,contractor
Is anyone out there adding AFCI protection when adding lights in a AFCI required location?

If so how do you when the panel is full and all breakers are twins. No full spaces avialable.
Do you add a sub or cut in a AFCI outlet?
 
By the current interpretation, they should be AFCI protected. As far as the panel being full, I'd probably add a sub-panel, or swap out the existing panel - my feeling is that a panel full of tandem breakers needs an upgrade, anyway.
 
macrae said:
By the current interpretation, they should be AFCI protected. As far as the panel being full, I'd probably add a sub-panel, or swap out the existing panel - my feeling is that a panel full of tandem breakers needs an upgrade, anyway.
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Sell that to a customer who only called you out to add a couple of can lights over the master bedroom.
 
Tell them what they have and what their options are so they can make an informed decision.

If they want it done cheap and in violation of code, call the guy with no license or insurance; works every time (according to the fire dept)
 
mgookin said:
Tell them what they have and what their options are so they can make an informed decision.

If they want it done cheap and in violation of code, call the guy with no license or insurance; works every time (according to the fire dept)
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Are you kidding works every time , and the licensed guy gets the work.

Well it was ok a couple of years ago why not now?
I can't afford to pay thousands to install a light?
Out here in CA you would probably get disciplined for elder abuse if you pulled that on a seinor citizen.
 
Sierrasparky said:
Are you kidding works every time , and the licensed guy gets the work.

Well it was ok a couple of years ago why not now?
I can't afford to pay thousands to install a light?
Out here in CA you would probably get disciplined for elder abuse if you pulled that on a seinor citizen.
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I did say 'by the current interpretation.' I'm not saying that I'd do it that way in every circumstance, but if you're pulling a permit, that's what you'd have to do. In my house? No way I'd bother with the the arc fault.
 
That was a joke about the fire dept being the source for "works every time".

If the fire dept is there, obviously it did not work.

My dry sense of humor.
 
mgookin said:
That was a joke about the fire dept being the source for "works every time".

If the fire dept is there, obviously it did not work.

My dry sense of humor.
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Sorry I did not get the pun. maybe next time. :thumbsup:
 
I try to inform the client what their options are and give them options. When they choose the lowest option it states that AFCI is not included.

Now, if something happens and the insurance company gets involved, then I guess the installer is at fault. Sad but true. :rant::rant:

And If the installer tries to the job according to the code then he will not get the job because his price is higher than the other guy.
 
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