AFCI Proposal

[bphgravity]

Proposals Report of CMP-2 o 2-134a - ( 210.12(B) ): Accept o (B) has been revised stating " a listed AFCI, combination type installed to provide protection of the branch circuit". With an Exception, for location being permitted at other than the origination of the branch circuit under (1) AFCI installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the BC overcurrent device and (2) circuit conductors between the overcurrent device and AFCI are in metal raceway or a cable with a metallic sheath.

Is this proposal implying that AFCI type receptacles will be allowed for the 2005 code cycle?

Considering that AFCI's are required for Dwelling Units only, how many installations in dwelling actually use a metallic conduit or metallic sheathed cable for bedroom branch-circuits?

What is the 6' distance mean? Does it mean that the AFCI receptacle would have to be within 6' of the loadcenter? If this is the case, how many loadcenters are installed within 6' of the bedrooms?

I dont see how this new proposed exception can be utilized or even usefull, or am I missing something in the intent?

[ June 11, 2003, 07:09 PM: Message edited by: bphgravity ]

 

[bphgravity]

Re: AFCI Proposal

No Ideas?

 

[ryan_618]

Re: AFCI Proposal

My ideas are that are about 50,000 proposals on the ROP last time I looked! I don't try to figure them out until they pass. It seems to me that it takes either an act of God or some dead bodies on the floor to get a change in the NEC to pass. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it unless it passes. Take a look at the ROP for the 2002 and view how many proposals don't pass. Sorry, but thats my two cents.

[ June 12, 2003, 09:52 AM: Message edited by: ryan_618 ]

 

[charlie]

Re: AFCI Proposal

Ryan, you are being way too harsh. Many times a Code Making Panel will accept something in the proposal stage to get comments. This would be an item where the CMP doesn't really know which way to go because of conflicting opinions and lack of information. The comments will tell the CMP which way the users of the Code would like to see it written. Additionally, more information will be presented to allow the CMP to make a more informed decision.

Other times, a manufacturer will want to change the Code to allow their product to be used (I suspect that is the case here). At first blush, it looks like this proposal will make it into the Code.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: AFCI Proposal

Charlie, thanks for stating your position on that, I realize you are much more qualified than I to make that statement. Reading the ROP's it is very easy to get that impression though.

 

[tom baker]

Re: AFCI Proposal

bhgravity-look and see who made the proposal. Often it will tell who they are associated with or represent.