arch faults on panel upgrade

[sparkylad]

Recent question to which i simply cannot locate answer to in 2008 code book,

simple panel swap out during a bathroom remodel which one new gfi circuit is being ran,do the new breakers installed now have to be arch faults in order to pass inspection and up up to code?

 

[infinity]

Under the 2008 no. Under the 2014 if you do not extend the circuits more than 6' or add any devices then no arc fault protection is required. Take a look at 210.12(B)(2)Exception.

 

[Sierrasparky]

Under the 2011, technically yes.

 

[hunterhare]

I think it's a good idea that any work done with an inspector involved to just bring everything you work on up to code. in utah salt lake and utah county we are ok with using arc faults in just the bedrooms for now so if it's the same then you would only need a few arc fault breakers. especially if you are changing the panel out but for one circuit, was it that full?

 

[kwired]

I think it's a good idea that any work done with an inspector involved to just bring everything you work on up to code. in utah salt lake and utah county we are ok with using arc faults in just the bedrooms for now so if it's the same then you would only need a few arc fault breakers. especially if you are changing the panel out but for one circuit, was it that full?

What is the logic behind just the bedrooms? I'm not an AFCI fan but rules are still rules. Also not too many are still on the 2005 NEC or earlier either, makes no sense to me to pick and choose which rooms get AFCI, either follow what is in print or make official amendments that are clear as to what is intended.

NEC has never really said panel upgrades required additions of AFCI's, but has never clearly said you don't need them either - until 2014 and with conditions.

 

[hunterhare]

What is the logic behind just the bedrooms?

I'm not sure, about 4-5 years ago, one ressy outfit I was at we had a company meeting and were told to arc fault the bedrooms and smokies and it's been that way every since. I guess the whole house is supposed to be arc fault but no inspectors are enforcing it (yet) in utah and salt lake county and I do houses all over these counties. I never cheat and hit a hall outlet from one of the arc fault outlets because people always complain their vacuum trips the breaker... so I don't know the logic, it's just how it has to be done to pass here.

 

[Sierrasparky]

What is the logic behind just the bedrooms? I'm not an AFCI fan but rules are still rules. Also not too many are still on the 2005 NEC or earlier either, makes no sense to me to pick and choose which rooms get AFCI, either follow what is in print or make official amendments that are clear as to what is intended.

NEC has never really said panel upgrades required additions of AFCI's, but has never clearly said you don't need them either - until 2014 and with conditions.

Well stated