Wouldn't the entire recessed fixture be considered the "utilization equipment," making the JB the outlet?
Kind of makes one think a little, if that is true then AFCI is not going to be required on most recessed lighting because the "outlet" is not in the room that requires AFCI protection. Good luck convincing most inspectors that this is the intent of the rule.
The fixture does not use energy, IMO.
Based on that, the fan coil in the OP doesn't use energy either, just the motor does. The motor is in analogy the same to the fan coil as the lamp is to the luminaire.
Here, if it's 120V and in the required room, it gets AFCI, no exceptions!
Now consider the fact that a recessed light may or may not be "in the room", or even the possibility that the junction box may be the "outlet" and is not "in the room".
Silly question; What is a Fan Coil? A transformer?
Yes, I think it needs AFCI protection regardless that its in the attic. An arc fault could be located in the wiring above the bedroom.
I think your question was answered, about the wiring above the bedroom, wiring not serving the bedroom is not prohibited from being above, below or in the walls of the bedroom and also is not required to be AFCI protected.
I say yes because it is recessed into the ceiling ,Just like a recessed light would be.
I have other comments in this post on that.
It should be because they have two pole AFCI breakers,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Good point however.....:thumbsup:
Don't think someday this will never be a requirement, it very well may be.
Thanks for explaining what a fan coil is. Agreed, the outlet is Not actually in the bedroom.
But It seems to me the design of the AFCI breaker is to protect the wiring in the walls/ceiling as well as what gets hooked to the outlet.
Even if not required by the NEC, I always thought that was the intent.
A switch is not an outlet, you can have switches in living room, bedroom, etc. on non AFCI protected circuits that operate loads in areas where AFCI protection is not required. A switch for an outdoor light is an example of where this could happen.