AFCI: Will the real 210.12(B) please rise. . .

[al hildenbrand]

I've been going over the Dec. '06 NECDigest article on the "upcoming changes for the NEC 2008." The authors report the following as the proposed change to 210.12(B).

210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection

(B) Dwelling Unit Bedrooms. All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by a listed arc-fault interrupter, combination type installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

FPN No. 1: For information of types of arc-fault circuit interrupters, see UL 1699-1999, Standard for Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters.

FPN No. 2: See 760.21 and 760.41 for circuits supplying fire detection and warning equipment.

The text in red is my emphasis.

The NECDigest article authors added this comment:

A new Fine Print Note has been added to references 760.21 and 760.41, which do not permit AFCI protection on the power sources for non-power-limited and power-limited fire alarm systems.

The '05 NEC sentence permitting branch-feeder AFCIs until Jan. 1, '08 is deleted.

The article did not comment about the exceptions to 210.12.

 

[charlie b]

I don't understand what you are showing us, Al. The text you show in red is exactly the same as the 2005 version. :-?

 

[cowboyjwc]

I believe that the proposal that is being pushed for the 2008 is "all outlets installed in a dwelling unit...".

Of course that may just be one of many I haven't really got in to the ROP yet since we are still in the 2002 here in CA.

 

[al hildenbrand]

The text you show in red is exactly the same as the 2005 version.

Yes, it is the same as the '05.

That's what surprised me when I read the article.

I recall two other reports on proposed changes that have been discussed here, that expanded the AFCI coverage in dwellings.

This article reflects a slight relaxation (fire detection and warning equipment).

 

[don_resqcapt19]

This article reflects a slight relaxation (fire detection and warning equipment).

Please note that the FPN does not apply to the interconnected smoke detectors that are found in dwelling units. Also there were proposals accepted that extend the AFCI protection to most of the circuits in the house.
Don

 

[al hildenbrand]

I realize that 760.21 and 760.41 in the 2005 NEC already prohibit AFCI and GFCI for fire detection and warning equipment.

Stallcup and Ode are reporting that for 2008 210.12(B) is proposed to remain in just the bedroom.

Maybe its a mis-print.

 

[ryan_618]

Unless they change the real vote from the straw ballot vote, it will apply to all areas, other than kitchens, bathrooms, garages, etc.

I will curious to read the real ROC when it comes out.