- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
1.) NEC Section/Paragraph: 210.12
2.) Proposal Recommends: [new text]
3.) Proposal: Add the following exception:
Exception: In existing dwelling units, where outlets are added to existing branch circuits where AFCI was not present, AFCI protection for such outlets shall not be required.
4.) Substantiation: As the text currently reads, simple additions to older homes are complicated exponentially by this requirement. Prior to the AFCI requirement coming into being, a multiwire branch circuit could be utilized to supply bedrooms and other circuits, and frequently was.
As these older homes are upgraded with ceiling fans, receptacles for fixed in place TV's etc, these old multiwire circuits face the installer with difficult problems due to lack of availability of 2-pole AFCI breakers for different brands of load centers present in older homes.
Currently, when such circumstances arise, an installer is forced to purchase a new load center capable of supporting a like-branded 2-pole AFCI breaker, and must pass this cost along to the consumer. This creates an atmosphere that lends to unlicensed or uninspected work to be done for a lower cost, due to the prohibitive pricing due to unavailability of a fledgling product.
At best, a quality installation will be performed by qualified personnel 'under the table', uninspected, resulting in little hazard. More likely, an unqualified homeowner or installer will attempt the work at reduced cost, ininspected, leaving the AHJ powerless to inspect these installations that were spawned by what looks to be an unintended consequence of the wording of this section. There is a greater threat posed by the uninspected work this section creates, than by not having the AFCI protection in the first place.
As the technology evolves into a more versatile product than can better meld into existing installations, this exception can be dropped to effectively enhance safety in existing dwellings. Until then, there is a real-world negative scenario set up by the restriction of this section.
Attached is an online conversation regarding some of the unexpected consequences facing reputable electrical contractors today.
Attached
[ October 15, 2005, 12:04 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
2.) Proposal Recommends: [new text]
3.) Proposal: Add the following exception:
Exception: In existing dwelling units, where outlets are added to existing branch circuits where AFCI was not present, AFCI protection for such outlets shall not be required.
4.) Substantiation: As the text currently reads, simple additions to older homes are complicated exponentially by this requirement. Prior to the AFCI requirement coming into being, a multiwire branch circuit could be utilized to supply bedrooms and other circuits, and frequently was.
As these older homes are upgraded with ceiling fans, receptacles for fixed in place TV's etc, these old multiwire circuits face the installer with difficult problems due to lack of availability of 2-pole AFCI breakers for different brands of load centers present in older homes.
Currently, when such circumstances arise, an installer is forced to purchase a new load center capable of supporting a like-branded 2-pole AFCI breaker, and must pass this cost along to the consumer. This creates an atmosphere that lends to unlicensed or uninspected work to be done for a lower cost, due to the prohibitive pricing due to unavailability of a fledgling product.
At best, a quality installation will be performed by qualified personnel 'under the table', uninspected, resulting in little hazard. More likely, an unqualified homeowner or installer will attempt the work at reduced cost, ininspected, leaving the AHJ powerless to inspect these installations that were spawned by what looks to be an unintended consequence of the wording of this section. There is a greater threat posed by the uninspected work this section creates, than by not having the AFCI protection in the first place.
As the technology evolves into a more versatile product than can better meld into existing installations, this exception can be dropped to effectively enhance safety in existing dwellings. Until then, there is a real-world negative scenario set up by the restriction of this section.
Attached is an online conversation regarding some of the unexpected consequences facing reputable electrical contractors today.
Attached
[ October 15, 2005, 12:04 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
