arc fault circuit breakers

[bphgravity]

Re: arc fault circuit breakers

I don't understand the logic of not wanting smokes on AFCI circuits. How does this present a problem? If the the AFCI trips, then it obviously sees an arc-fault and opened the circuit which may prevent ignition of a fire. Is there really a posibility that exactly at the same time the AFCI is open, a separate and independent fire starts and goes undetected by the dead smoke? Wouldn't you want every bit of protection that is available?

 

[jason]

Re: arc fault circuit breakers

gent, code does not require smokes in each bedroom, within 6 ft of each bedroom.

 

[george t. everett]

Re: arc fault circuit breakers

New York State requires smokes in each bed room as well as the hall.

 

[jxofaltrds]

Re: arc fault circuit breakers

Jason

The posts were directed at me (jxofaltrds) not you.

Where I was going in my previous post is....

210.6(B) 120-volt limitation.

Then there would be no 125-volt circuits in a residence.

I think that by stating "125-volt" the code is telling us that receptacles are what they want protected. 210.8 210.12 210.52 210.63 use 125-volts.

I have seen no reference to 125-volt when addressing lights or smokes.

Making sense yet?

Mike P.

 

[eprice]

Re: arc fault circuit breakers

jason

I'm not sure what building code is used in your area, but gent's description of where smoke detectors are required is consistent with the IRC, the IBC, and the UBC. Those are the building codes with which I am familiar.

 

[tomspark]

Re: arc fault circuit breakers

For those that live in the jurisdictions that use it, NFPA's National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) says homes must have smoke alarms on every level of the home -- including the basement -- and outside each sleeping area. New homes are required to have a smoke alarm in each sleeping area as well.

 

[jason]

Re: arc fault circuit breakers

unfortunately, this is an NEC forum, and smokes are not required in every bedroom.

 

[jason]

Re: arc fault circuit breakers

they are however, required within 6 ft of every bedroom.

 

[curt swartz]

Re: arc fault circuit breakers

Jason

Where in the NEC is it stated that smoke detectors are required within 6' of every bedroom?

Curt

 

[curt swartz]

Re: arc fault circuit breakers

I don't see a problem with connecting the smoke detectors to a AFCI protected circuit. I do think smoke detectors should always be connected to a general lighting circuit and never be on their own dedicated circuit. Smoke detectors will not alert the homeowner if their primary power has failed. If they are connected to a general lighting circuit the homeowner will become aware of a problem and make an effort to have the problem resolved.

Curt

 

[bill addiss]

Re: arc fault circuit breakers

jason,

The requirements for smoke detectors are laid out in your areas' Building Codes, which may or may not reference another code (ie by NFPA). They aren't in the NEC but we still have to know them.

Bill

 

[tim]

Re: arc fault circuit breakers

Anyone have a headache yet? :roll: