AFCI Required or Not?

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chevyx92

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VA BCH, VA
Customer wants 3-way switching of their outdoor flood lighting that is on their "Detached" shed. All lights are mounted on shed, none on the house itself. They want to be able to turn the shed flood lights from inside the house as well as from the shed. My question is, is AFCI protection required because there will be a "Switch" inside the house? The way I read 210.12 is that AFCI protection is required for any outlet. A switch is not an outlet IMO. Or am I wrong on this?
 
You are correct for the 2011 NEC however the 2014 now requires afci for switches if they are located in the required areas

Here is the new wording

(A) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and
20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed
in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining
rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms,
sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas,
or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by any of
the means described in 210.12(A)(1) through (6):
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The state of Virginia is currently enforcing the 2012 Virginia USBC. For one- and two-family dwellings, Section E3902.12 has been modified to read:

E3902.12 Arc-fault protection of bedroom outlets. All branch circuits that supply 120-volt, single phase, 15-ampere and 20-ampere outlets installed in bedrooms shall be protected by a combination type arc-fault circuit interrupter installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.
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For other than one- and two-family dwellings, you are required to meet the provisions of 210.12 of the 2011 NEC.

There is nothing in Virginia law that would prohibit the installation of an AFCI device for the circuit in question.
 
jumper said:
So, if I were wiring a large apt building instead of a SFD or a duplex I would have to follow 2011 210.12 rules instead of the amendment?
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Yes. One-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and townhouses (R3 Occupancies) are only required to meet the E3902.12 amendment in VA. All other dwelling types (R1, R2, R4, and certain I Occupancies) must comply with the 2011 NEC. There a just a few amendments to the NEC in VA, but not 210.12.
 
A switch is installed at an outlet
A receptacle is installed at an outlet.

See article 100 definition of outlet.
 
So if one does not want to install a AFCI, would low voltage control to switch the lights between the buildings eliminate having to use a AFCI? That be more expensive then just using a AFCI, but am tossing it out as a idea.
 
norcal said:
So if one does not want to install a AFCI, would low voltage control to switch the lights between the buildings eliminate having to use a AFCI? That be more expensive then just using a AFCI, but am tossing it out as a idea.
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It was done in old homes (inside them at least). The 120 volt lights would still need AFCI protection per code but I think the low voltage system could skip out.
 
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