Arc Fault circuits

[Jsim4109]

Are lighting branch circuits in a single family dwelling required to be arc fault protected?

 

[david luchini]

See 210.12(B)

 

[dereckbc]

210.12 (B) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and
20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in
dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms,
parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation
rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas shall be
protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter,
combination-type, installed to provide protection of the
branch circuit.


That would likely be a BIG YES

 

[infinity]

Lighting circuits in unfinished basements, attics, bathrooms, garages, etc do not require AFCI protection.

 

[dereckbc]

Lighting circuits in unfinished basements, attics, bathrooms, garages, etc do not require AFCI protection.

Glad you posted that. I was sitting here scratching my head where they were not required. Only thing I can up with is Bathroom.

 

[mjf]

To the OP....it would be important to know what code cycle you are on to properly answer the question.

 

[infinity]

To the OP....it would be important to know what code cycle you are on to properly answer the question.

Excellent point because this is a forever changing code section. I figured NJ which is on the 2011.

 

[mjf]

Excellent point because this is a forever changing code section. I figured NJ which is on the 2011.

You cheated....you're from Jersey so you knew

 

[Little Bill]

Are lighting branch circuits in a single family dwelling required to be arc fault protected?

210.12 (B) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and
20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in
dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms,
parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation
rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas shall be
protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter,
combination-type, installed to provide protection of the
branch circuit.


That would likely be a BIG YES

I find that what trips most people up is "outlets".
Some call a receptacle an outlet, but it just receives power from an outlet.
You must know the definition of outlet.

Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is
taken to supply utilization equipment.

So lights/lighting would fall under this if they are in an area that requires AFCI.