Here is my thinking on AFCIs. Sorry, could not eliminate bold print... I moved this from a topic that got off topic.
WHERE AFCI NOT REQUIRED based on 2017 NEC
The remaining areas where AFCI protection is not required and is optional are: Garages ( if laundry area is in garage, AFCI for laundry area only).
Attics, crawl space, uninhabited basement areas.
Outdoor receptacles and outdoor circuits.
Sump pumps and septic pumps. (hard wire or single receptacle only)
FAU if located in the garage or located in a FAU utility enclosure within the dwelling. Consult the local inspector. Also, the local inspector may require that the FAU circuit be connected to a Fusetron outlet (single receptacle) with an Edison base fuse.
The local inspector may exempt other appliances or areas. Example: some AHJs exempt smoke detectors and paddle fans.
Manufacturer’s requirements have top priority. If installation instructions say no AFCI or GFCI, local inspector must comply.
AFCI PROHIBITED
There are also circuits that are prohibited from having AFCI protection: Fire sprinkler system alarm which shall be energized from the service panel with metallic conduit to a metallic box. (No AFCI or GFCI protection.)
Home security systems that are monitored off site. These systems usually are smoke and burglar alarm combined. The control panel must be energized with a separate circuit with a single receptacle. Local inspector will determine if metallic conduit to a metallic box is required. (No AFCI or GFCI protection.)
Snow and ice melting equipment should have Ground Fault Equipment Protection (GFEP) and shall not have AFCI Protection or GFCI protection.
WHERE AFCI NOT REQUIRED based on 2017 NEC
The remaining areas where AFCI protection is not required and is optional are: Garages ( if laundry area is in garage, AFCI for laundry area only).
Attics, crawl space, uninhabited basement areas.
Outdoor receptacles and outdoor circuits.
Sump pumps and septic pumps. (hard wire or single receptacle only)
FAU if located in the garage or located in a FAU utility enclosure within the dwelling. Consult the local inspector. Also, the local inspector may require that the FAU circuit be connected to a Fusetron outlet (single receptacle) with an Edison base fuse.
The local inspector may exempt other appliances or areas. Example: some AHJs exempt smoke detectors and paddle fans.
Manufacturer’s requirements have top priority. If installation instructions say no AFCI or GFCI, local inspector must comply.
AFCI PROHIBITED
There are also circuits that are prohibited from having AFCI protection: Fire sprinkler system alarm which shall be energized from the service panel with metallic conduit to a metallic box. (No AFCI or GFCI protection.)
Home security systems that are monitored off site. These systems usually are smoke and burglar alarm combined. The control panel must be energized with a separate circuit with a single receptacle. Local inspector will determine if metallic conduit to a metallic box is required. (No AFCI or GFCI protection.)
Snow and ice melting equipment should have Ground Fault Equipment Protection (GFEP) and shall not have AFCI Protection or GFCI protection.