AFCI Rules in Virginia

[fisherelectric]

It is my understanding that in adopting the 2012 Residential Code (on July 17th I believe), which includes the 2011 NEC, Virginia has chosen to amend the code to keep the wording of the 2005 NEC regarding AFCI protection. I am going by Section E3902.12 in 2012 VA Res. Code. which states only bedroom outlets are required to be AFCI protected.
Can anyone verify that?

 

[MasterTheNEC]

It is my understanding that in adopting the 2012 Residential Code (on July 17th I believe), which includes the 2011 NEC, Virginia has chosen to amend the code to keep the wording of the 2005 NEC regarding AFCI protection. I am going by Section E3902.12 in 2012 VA Res. Code. which states only bedroom outlets are required to be AFCI protected.
Can anyone verify that?

Yes, you are correct.

In terms of the IRC and Virginia UBC, yes they did amend to keep the AFCI only to the bedroom applications. However, keep in mind that only applies when the IRC governs the building. If the building is a high rise or a multi-story building where the IBC would take precedence then the amendments do not apply and when the IBC full references the NEC it must be followed exactly in all locations defined within the 2011 NEC.

So yes you are correct for all construction applications that the IRC controls and on buildings (say apartment complexes) the individual dwelling units are governed by the IBC and the NEC without any amendments being applicable.

Hope this explains it a little better for you.

 

[fisherelectric]

Thanks for the reply. I was going to call the local building officials tomorrow to verify. I wonder how many other states have chosen to amend the AFCI requirements?

 

[bphgravity]

It is my understanding that Virginia adopted the 2012 USBC with an effective date of July 14, 2014. However, there is a one-year "break-in" period where the 2009 USBC can be used for the design, installation and maintenance of electrical systems. That one-year period ends on July 14, 2015.

The IAEI Virginia Chapter is holding its 79th Annual Meeting & Educational Seminar on June 28, & 29 2015 at the Fort Magruder Hotel in Williamsburg, VA. This is a great opportunity to meet electrical code professionals from all over the state and learn about important code related topics. DON'T MISS THIS EVENT! More details can be found here: http://iaeivirginia.com

Of the 24 states that are currently enforcing the 2014 NEC, only 6 have some form of AFCI amendment on the books. The other 18 are enforcing the 2014 NEC requirements as written. The same ratio applies to those states on the 2011 NEC. 12 have no AFCI amendments, 5 have one or more AFCI amendments. Bottom line, the number of states that adopt and enforce the NEC, without state or local amendment, far exceed those that do amend the code in some form.