Article 210.12 AFCI protection

[Billy D]

I am wiring a gas fired insert inside a firebox and was told it had to be AFCI protected. I know art. 210.12 A says that all branch circuits supplying outlets in in living room, dinning room, etc should be AFCI protected but this outlet is actually located behind the new installed gas fired insert and can not be accessed by the home owner. The outlet is not installed in the living room.. it is installed in a firebox and it's supplying power to an appliance. Would it make a difference if it was a seperate circuit instead of an extention? Thoughts??

 

[Dennis Alwon]

IMO, afci is needed. I don't think the argument that the fireplace insides is not in the living room will carry much weight

btw, afci is not for protection of the homeowner from shock but rather to protect the wiring from arc faults