arc fault baffled

[Twoskinsoneman]

Al,
I tend to agree, on the basis that the Intent of the code is to protect the areas occupied by persons, and to do that requires monitoring all circuits that pass through those areas.

This seems like an extreme view point.

Would you say same about wires that pass through the bedroom wall that are going somewhere else? What about the floor? I know in my own house the majority of the circuit coming out of my panel pass right under the floor of one of my bedrooms...AFCI on all of them...??

 

[al hildenbrand]

This seems like an extreme view point.

I recall many a public service announcement showing the "fear of picture hanging nail caused interior wall fire" scenario. . . .the NASFM (National Assoc. of State Fire Marshalls) was one of the disseminators. . .It's not much of a stretch to include ALL the 15 & 20 A 125 V wiring in the ceiling and the floors as well as the walls of 210.12(B) protected area. But that is just an opinion, and only the NEC language is enforceable.

A switch IS NOT an outlet.

FRom article 100 Definitions
Outlet- A point on the wiring system at which current is TAKEN to supply utilization equipment.

A switch does not take current to supply utilization equipment. A switch controls the flow of current

Please read my summary. I have never said "a switch is an outlet". You quote the definition of Outlet, yet, in my humble opinion, the definitions of Controller and Premises Wiring (System) are what provide the understanding that applies to a "switch used as a controller".

 

[charlie]

. . . on the basis that the Intent of the code is to protect the areas occupied by persons, and to do that requires monitoring all circuits that pass through those areas.

Keep in mind that a service panelboard may be installed in the bedroom and not all of the circuits that exit the panelboard are required to be AFCI protected (range, WH, dryer, small appliance branch circuits, etc.) It was never the intent of panel 2 to require AFCI protection on all circuits (I have my own opinion on what the intent of panel 2 was but that is another matter).

The bottom line is that I do not agree with your statement. :smile:

 

[slick 50]

I must imagine that a switch in the bedroom is supplying the lighting outlet, therefore needs to be AFCI protected:wink:

 

[LarryFine]

I must imagine that a switch in the bedroom is supplying the lighting outlet, therefore needs to be AFCI protected:wink:

Unless that switch controls, say, an exterior fixture, such as next to a door to a porch outside the bedroom.

Yes, if the outlet is in the room, the switch will be so protected because the entire circuit must be so protected.

 

[glene77is]

Keep in mind that a service panelboard may be installed in the bedroom and not all of the circuits that exit the panelboard are required to be AFCI protected (range, WH, dryer, small appliance branch circuits, etc.) It was never the intent of panel 2 to require AFCI protection on all circuits (I have my own opinion on what the intent of panel 2 was but that is another matter).

The bottom line is that I do not agree with your statement. :smile:

Charlie,
Thanks.
I was too narrow.

Now, having read through these responses,
I concur with your perspective. :smile: