AFCI's

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Here is the draft of the 2014

210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Arc fault circuit-interrupter protection shall be provided as required in 210.12(A) and (B). The arc-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in a readily accessible location. [ROP 2–116]
(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 as described by (1), (2), (3), or (4).[ROP 2–80, ROP 2–82a, ROP 2–85]
(1) A listed combination type arc-fault circuit interrupter, installed to provide protection of the entire branch circuit. [ROP 2–92]
(2) A listed outlet branch circuit type arc-fault circuit interrupter installed at the first outlet on the branch circuit where all of the following conditions are met:
[ROP 2–92]
a. The branch circuit over current protection device shall be a listed circuit breaker having an instantaneous trip not exceeding 300 amperes. [ROP 2–92]
b. The branch circuit wiring shall be continuous from the branch circuit overcurrent device to the outlet branch circuit arc-fault circuit interrupter.[ROP
2–92]
c. The maximum length of the branch circuit wiring from the branch circuit overcurrent device to the first outlet shall not exceed 15.2 m (50 ft) for a 14
AWG or 21.3 m (70 ft) for a 12 AWG conductor- .[ROP 2–92]
d. The first outlet box in the branch circuit shall be identified.[ROP 2–92]
(3) A listed outlet branch circuit type arc-fault circuit interrupter installed at the first outlet on the branch circuit where the portion of the branch circuit between the
branch-circuit overcurrent device and the first outlet is installed using RMC, IMC, EMT, Type MC, or steel armored Type AC cables meeting the requirements of
250.118 and using metal outlet and junction boxes. [ROP 2–92]
(4) A listed outlet branch circuit type arc-fault circuit interrupter installed at the first outlet on the branch circuit where the portion of the branch circuit between the
branch-circuit overcurrent device and the first outlet is installed using a listed metal or nonmetallic conduit or tubing encased in not less than 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete. [ROP 2–92]
Exception No. 1: If RMC, IMC, EMT, Type MC, or steel armored Type AC cables meeting the requirements of 250.118, metal wireways, metal auxiliary gutters, and metal outlet and junction boxes are installed for the portion of the branch circuit between the branch-circuit overcurrent device and the first outlet, it shall be permitted to install an outlet branch-circuit type AFCI at the first outlet to provide protection for the remaining portion of the branch circuit. [ROP 2–102]
Exception No. 2: Where a listed metal or nonmetallic conduit or tubing or Type MC Cable is encased in not less than 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete for the portion of the branch circuit between the branch-circuit overcurrent device and the first outlet, it shall be permitted to install an outlet branch-circuit type AFCI at the first outlet to provide protection for the remaining portion of the branch circuit. [ROP 2–103]
Exception No. 3: Where an individual branch circuit to a fire alarm system installed in accordance with 760.41(B) or 760.121(B) is installed in RMC, IMC, EMT, or steel sheathed cable, Type AC or Type MC, meeting the requirements of 250.118, with metal outlet and junction boxes, metal wireways or metal auxiliary gutters, AFCI protection shall be permitted to be omitted. [ROP 2–109]
Informational Note No. 1: For information on types of arc-fault circuit interrupters, see UL 1699-2011, Standard for Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters. [ROP 2–92]
Informational Note No. 2: See 29.6.3(5) of NFPA 72- 2010, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, for information related to secondary power supply requirements for smoke alarms installed in dwelling units. [ROP 2–92]
Informational Note No. 3: See 760.41(B) and 760.121(B) for power-supply requirements for fire alarm systems. [ROP 2–92]
(B) Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications — Dwelling Units. In any of the areas specified in 210.12(A), where branch-circuit wiring is modified, replaced, or extended, the branch circuit shall be protected by one of the following:
(1) A listed combination-type AFCI located at the origin of the branch circuit
(2) A listed outlet branch-circuit type AFCI located at the first receptacle outlet of the existing branch circuit
Exception: AFCI protection shall not be required where the extension of the existing conductors is not more than 1.8 m (6 ft.) and does not include any additional outlets or devices. [ROP 2–115]
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Great.....Now we will be getting nuisance trip call backs in kitchens too. Talk about being married to completed job.
 
c. The maximum length of the branch circuit wiring from the branch circuit overcurrent device to the first outlet shall not exceed 15.2 m (50 ft) for a 14
AWG or 21.3 m (70 ft) for a 12 AWG conductor- .[ROP 2?92]

I wonder if this is to minimize nuisance tripping due to nearby radio/TV transmitters. Shorter wires are less efficient receiving antennas.
 
G._S._Ohm said:
c. The maximum length of the branch circuit wiring from the branch circuit overcurrent device to the first outlet shall not exceed 15.2 m (50 ft) for a 14
AWG or 21.3 m (70 ft) for a 12 AWG conductor- .[ROP 2?92]

I wonder if this is to minimize nuisance tripping due to nearby radio/TV transmitters. Shorter wires are less efficient receiving antennas.
Click to expand...

What brainiack thought that up? :? Now we'll be setting sub panels all over the McMansions. Building 2 electric rooms on every floor.:slaphead:
 
The length limits do not apply in general. They only apply where you are installing the AFCI protection at the first outlet and not in the panel.
I assume the only reason for the length limits is to limit the amount of wiring that does not have AFCI protection when you are installing the protection at the first outlet.
 
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