arc-fault breakers

[adamselectricllc]

this is a simple question

i'm upgrading an existing service , existing home

the old panel has no arc-fault breakers
am i required to add them

or if i move the service in an existing home where an an addition was added, with one new bedroom, do i need to upgrade to arcs throughout the has as required?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

this is a simple question

i'm upgrading an existing service , existing home

the old panel has no arc-fault breakers
am i required to add them

or if i move the service in an existing home where an an addition was added, with one new bedroom, do i need to upgrade to arcs throughout the has as required?

In our area the arc faults only need to be put on if there are new outlets added to the existing bedroom and also in any new bedroom areas. It may be a local issue not a NEC issue.

 

[Sierrasparky]

In are area if there are new circuits involved in bedroom areas and or outlets , this will trigger AFCI's. They consider any new wire added ,panel relocation Ect.
Check with your local jurisdiction

 

[celtic]

this is a simple question



the old panel has no arc-fault breakers
am i required to add them

It's not that simple.

Not every jurisdiction has accepted 210.12.

So where are you from?
That will make it simple

 

[Sierrasparky]

Celtic
I don't know if you were aware that if a state adopted the 99 NEC Section 210.12 read this will be effective 2003 which helped inplement AFCI sooner as there are many states that are at least 3 years behind the NEC as far as adoption of the current code

 

[templdl]

In older installations "home run" circuits are common which makes if difficult to apply a 1p AFCI breaker anyway. Also, while on the subject of older home run circuit installations should one now consider breakers with handle ties thatfeed each set of circuits?

 

[celtic]

Sierra,
NJ adopted the '99, '02 and '05 NEC in a timely fashion....BUT amended to delete 210.12 at one point and currently has the language for 210.12 for '05 as "optional".

http://www.nema.org/stds/fieldreps/codealerts/20051107nj.cfm

Chapter 2 of the electrical subcode, entitled ?Wiring and Protection,? is amended as follows:

i. (No change.) Section 210.12(B) of Article 210, entitled ?Branch Circuits,? is amended to insert the following sentence at the end of the section, ?This requirement shall be considered optional.?

As there are 49 other states...all of which I do not have firstknowlede of...wouldn't it be prudent to answer the OP's question based on what State he is actually asking about?

 

[Sierrasparky]

Y u Busting my ..... I was just commenting on your comment. I had advised to check his local jurisdiction.

I was commenting on the fact that the NEC was trying make all states adopt this code.

 

[celtic]

Y u Busting my ..... I was just commenting on your comment. I had advised to check his local jurisdiction.

If by being 100% honest and forth coming with my "opinion" and backing up said opinion with reference, then I am guilty of busting your....

I was commenting on the fact that the NEC was trying make all states adopt this code.

The "fact" is:
What NFPA/NEC wants, is not always what "they" get.
That is the point of my comments.

It makes NO DIFFERENCE what the NEC states, UNTIL it has been accepted by any given jurisdiction....and even after a particular cycle has been accepted, it is wise to check what articles - if any - have been amended.

Some States, like the glorious State of NJ have a "Rehab Code". Many contractors are unaware of such codes. I asked the OP:

So where are you from?
That will make it simple

The OP may or may not be from NJ...but NJ is not the only cookie in the jar with a "Rehab Code". If the OP was from a State that has a "Rehab Code", I would think the OP would want to know about such a tool.

If you see my comments as busting you....so be it.

 

[infinity]

The neophyte in the OP asked a simply question. As Celtic pointed out there is no simple answer. Around here in New Jersey you wouldn't need to ever install an AFCI device.

 

[Sierrasparky]

Again I did say that you need to check the local jurisdiction.

That is all

 

[George Stolz]

Glad we all sorted that out. :grin:

 

[keesha]

Mass. code.

Mass. code.

210.12 C-- (C) Overcurrent Device Replacements. Where panelboards are replaced that contain one or
more circuits requiring AFCI protection by this or other sections of the Code, AFCI protection shall be provided for such circuits.


I thought I read somewhere that this was repealed. Anyone know for sure?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

210.12 C-- (C) Overcurrent Device Replacements.

I don't see article 210.12(C) in the 2005 edition

 

[infinity]

I don't see article 210.12(C) in the 2005 edition

He said that it was in the Mass. code not the NEC.

Mass. code

 

[celtic]

I thought I read somewhere that this was repealed. Anyone know for sure?

I'm sure one of our "irregular" Mass. members will offer some insight.

In the meantime, you can check this site:

http://www.nema.org/stds/fieldreps/codealerts/


​

You will need to scroll the list of dates to check your State ~ I haven't found a spot to sort the list by State

Bear in mind, this is a STATE list, local amendments may not be on this site.

 

[keesha]

By "irregular".. Do you mean "infrequent", or just plain "off the wall"?

I've seen both. Something in the water. But anyway, we do have some good sharp pros' here.

Thanks,

 

[celtic]

By "irregular".. Do you mean "infrequent", or just plain "off the wall"?

Irregular meaning frequent poster and/or off the wall

I've seen both. Something in the water. But anyway, we do have some good sharp pros' here.

Thanks,

It's good mix of irregularity we have here...no [SIZE=-1]Metamucil required.[/SIZE]

 

[keesha]

Thanks!

Thanks!

Celtic, Great site thank you.

Sept. 2005 the state did accept the motion to delete "C".

Thats the way I saw it. I'm still listening.

 

[celtic]

Keesha,
I'm no expert on Mass. ...maybe I can summon Mr. Iwire over here ~ he's from Mass. and is blessed with the gift of gab (or typing in this case) with 14,354 +/- posts.