Arc Fault regulations when adding onto a house..

[Dossier31]

Buddy of mine has added onto his home by about 800 sf or so. He's adding a subpanel for the additional few rooms etc, and asked me to help. my question is this:

although his original panel doesn't have, nor did it require at the time, arc fault protection for the branch circuits (AF breakers), would this new work being done require that AFI breakers be used?

 

[iwire]

Buddy of mine has added onto his home by about 800 sf or so. He's adding a subpanel for the additional few rooms etc, and asked me to help. my question is this:

although his original panel doesn't have, nor did it require at the time, arc fault protection for the branch circuits (AF breakers), would this new work being done require that AFI breakers be used?

Any new branch circuits will be subject to 210.12.

 

[GoldDigger]

Any new branch circuits will be subject to 210.12.

Which, in the OP's case probably consists of all of the branch circuits connected to the new panel, even if they serve outlets (and wiring) that were originally supplied from the main panel.

 

[Sierrasparky]

Based on the 2014 NEC
Yes required for new circuits
Also required if you add outlets to old
Also required if you change a receptacle where it would be required elsewhere in the code.

 

[JFletcher]

Louisiana is not on the 2014 NEC; they are 2011, and apparently on the 2012 IRC with exceptions for one and two family dwellings:

http://lsuccc.dps.louisiana.gov/pdf/Amendments effective 1-1-2015.pdf

http://energycodesocean.org/code-information/louisiana-state-uniform-construction-code-lsucc

 

[Sierrasparky]

Louisiana is not on the 2014 NEC; they are 2011, and apparently on the 2012 IRC with exceptions for one and two family dwellings:

http://lsuccc.dps.louisiana.gov/pdf/Amendments effective 1-1-2015.pdf

http://energycodesocean.org/code-information/louisiana-state-uniform-construction-code-lsucc

The OP thinks he is on the 2014 by his profile

 

[JFletcher]

The OP thinks he is on the 2014 by his profile

He may be; according to this site:


https://www.jade1.com/jadecc/nec_code_adoption.php

it was supposed to go into effect Jan 1 this year. LA may be like VA in that we are on the 2011 NEC but for 1/2 family dwellings, something else - 2012 IRC with amendments here.

If this install was in VA you'd only need AFCI for the bedrooms. In MI, no AFCI at all. OP should find out locally what code they are actually on as websites have conflicting info.

 

[iwire]

Which, in the OP's case probably consists of all of the branch circuits connected to the new panel, even if they serve outlets (and wiring) that were originally supplied from the main panel.

It was the 'probably' issue that caused me to word my post as I did.

Saying all circuits would depend on the circuits and the year code cycle.