AFCI needed?

[jmo103]

Article 210.12(A)(6) tells me that if I run an MC to the first outlet I can use an AFCI device to protect "the remaining portion of the branch circuit." My question is, if that outlet is the only outlet on the circuit, does it need to be an AFCI device? There is no remaining portion to protect.

The situation is in a finished basement with the panel next to the washer and (gas) dryer. There is a tankless water heater there too. I was hoping to use 3 15' runs of 12/2 mc (which I have laying around), and save $120 on 3 AFCI breakers. Would that be a compliant install? I am having trouble getting in touch with the inspector to ask the question because he has about 15 minutes of office hours daily.

 

[ServiceCall]

As I interpret it, yes it does need the AFCI protection. It's just an allowable way to install the device. The armored cable is just protecting the wiring.

 

[kwired]

Read all of 210.12(A)(6):

Where a listed metal or nonmetallic conduit or tubing or Type MC cable is encased in not less than 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete for the portion of the branch circuit between the branch-circuit overcurrent device and the first outlet, it shall be permitted to install a listed outlet branch-circuit type AFCI at the first outlet to provide protection for the remaining portion of the branch circuit

 

[elec2007]

if I may ask what's the new lines for ?

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[jmo103]

Read all of 210.12(A)(6):

You are right. I meant 210.12(A)(5). Sorry.

 

[kwired]

You are right. I meant 210.12(A)(5). Sorry.

I guess (A)(5) would allow protection at the first outlet device. I still think you need AFCI protection even if there is only one outlet device in the circuit, they want anything plugged in to be AFCI protected.

 

[al hildenbrand]

You are right. I meant 210.12(A)(5). Sorry.

I guess (A)(5) would allow protection at the first outlet device. I still think you need AFCI protection even if there is only one outlet device in the circuit, they want anything plugged in to be AFCI protected.

Look at how the words go together.

2014 NEC
210.12(A) . . . branch circuits supplying outlets or devices . . . shall be protected by any of the means described . . .

(5) . . . it shall be permitted to install a listed outlet branch circuit type AFCI at the first outlet to provide protection for the remaining portion of the branch circuit.

If there is no "remaining portion" one is still instructed to install an OBC AFCI at the first outlet, in my opinion.

 

[kwired]

Look at how the words go together.


If there is no "remaining portion" one is still instructed to install an OBC AFCI at the first outlet, in my opinion.

I think we both said the same thing in different words.:blink:

 

[al hildenbrand]

:blink:

I added the actual Holy Writ to support your, and my, opinion.

It's OK to agree.

 

[kwired]

I added the actual Holy Writ to support your, and my, opinion.

It's OK to agree.

(fingers crossed) I agree then

 

[jmo103]

I added the actual Holy Writ to support your, and my, opinion.

It's OK to agree.

Truth be told, I had the same interpretation. But I wanted to avoid putting the insti-hot on an AFCI. It wasn't even really about saving the $100 on breakers. Thanks for the help though.

 

[kwired]

Truth be told, I had the same interpretation. But I wanted to avoid putting the insti-hot on an AFCI. It wasn't even really about saving the $100 on breakers. Thanks for the help though.

I don't really want to put anything on AFCI, but I don't have enough funds to buy out the code making panels like the AFCI manufacturers do.