Breaker requirements for panel upgrade

[Davezaino1968]

I'm changing the panel in my house in Federal Way Wa. Taking out 1962 Federal Pacific to Leviton smart panel. I understand that the inspector can't give advice on how to perform the work, however me and my electrician want to make sure we pass inspection to get the power turned back on. NEC code states we don't need to upgrade to AFI or GFCI if we aren't adding circuits or extending less than 6 feet, which I'm not. Has anyone had similar experiences and if so, what was directed by the inspector to satisfy? If my inspector won't make a prior on site visit, how am I supposed to be 100 percent prepared for my final? I have this fear of him saying, nope...not what I want to see. It seems fairly straight forward, so am I making too much of this?
Thank you from first time poster.

 

[infinity]

I'm changing the panel in my house in Federal Way Wa. Taking out 1962 Federal Pacific to Leviton smart panel. I understand that the inspector can't give advice on how to perform the work, however me and my electrician want to make sure we pass inspection to get the power turned back on. NEC code states we don't need to upgrade to AFI or GFCI if we aren't adding circuits or extending less than 6 feet, which I'm not. Has anyone had similar experiences and if so, what was directed by the inspector to satisfy? If my inspector won't make a prior on site visit, how am I supposed to be 100 percent prepared for my final? I have this fear of him saying, nope...not what I want to see. It seems fairly straight forward, so am I making too much of this?
Thank you from first time poster.

I just replaced the panel in my own home with a new 200 amp service and not one AFCI breaker. It's not required by the NEC.

 

[Davezaino1968]

Thank you. Again, I might be reading too much into the process for a panel swap. All this is driven by two recent EV vehicles being purchased and need to up the amps to the garage.

 

[ptonsparky]

I would think your electrician would be familiar with the local requirements.

We upgraded breakers to AFCI only when required, because of adding the 6'or modifying the circuit otherwise.

 

[Davezaino1968]

L

I just replaced the panel in my own home with a new 200 amp service and not one AFCI breaker. It's not required by the NEC.

I would think your electrician would be familiar with the local requirements.

We upgraded breakers to AFCI only when required, because of adding the 6'or modifying the circuit otherwise.

We both are up to date on NEC. Just no local information on whether our inspector will go above the NEC and get picky with AFI or GFCI. I appreciate everyone's information

 

[electrofelon]

L



. Just no local information on whether our inspector will go above the NEC and get picky with AFI or GFCI.

Inspectors are required to follow the law and enforce the legally adopted code. If they are requiring things above and beyond, they need to be reported. The code is very clear on this.

 

[electrofelon]

Make sure you have addressed the exterior disconnect requirement. Your electrician should be familiar with this. The WAC provides additional guidance on when the exterior is disconnected required for upgrades:

085(C) Replacements.
(11) This subsection replaces NEC 230.85(C). When service equipment suppling one- and two-family dwellings is replaced, an emergency disconnecting means must be installed whenever the service ampacity is increased or decreased, or when any of the following are relocated: Service disconnects, meter bases, overhead service masts, or underground service risers

 

[Davezaino1968]

Yes, all good there. Installing meter/disconnect box outside. Replacing weatherhead and 2 inch riser also to conform with current height requirements. Will ground to 2 ground rods and water main as well.

 

[infinity]

We both are up to date on NEC. Just no local information on whether our inspector will go above the NEC and get picky with AFI or GFCI. I appreciate everyone's information

If the adopted code is the NEC then there is nothing to get picky about. The code is clear on this one. So unless there is a local code amendment no AFCI protection required.

 

[suemarkp]

Note that if you happen to change out an existing receptacle, that receptacle needs to follow the current rules for grounding, tamper resistance, weather resistance, GFCI, and AFCI. I have not seen an inspector enforce this, but it can be obvious in older houses that things have been changed. You can use AFCI receptacles, but why mess with those when an AFCI breaker probably works better. See NEC 406.4(D) for details.

 

[LarryFine]

Are these answers based on the current code in use in WA?

 

[Davezaino1968]

Nec 210.12 for WA exempts afci if not adding circuits or extending less than 6 feet. Appears that any new construction requires afci.

 

[electrofelon]

Are these answers based on the current code in use in WA?

Yes the answer I gave in post #7 is from the Washington Administrative Code 296.46(B) which has the electrical requirements. In Washington there is also this thing called "Washington cities electrical code" which some cities adopt, but federal way does not appear to be one of them. It is possible the city of Federal Way has its own electrical code / amendments but I doubt it.

 

[suemarkp]

Nec 210.12 for WA exempts afci if not adding circuits or extending less than 6 feet. Appears that any new construction requires afci.

Wa does not modify 210.12, so NEC applies. What you said is correct, but receptacle changes also trigger the AFCI/GFCI requirements.

 

[ramsy]

I just replaced the panel in my own home with a new 200 amp service and not one AFCI breaker. It's not required by the NEC.

Scalawag states like New Jersey amend out safety outlets, so remodel outlets are no worries for you.

Where 2011 NEC was adopted unmolested, remodel outlets are construction defects until protected by the required xFCI.

Asking panel flippers to bid new fuse boxes with AFCI's provides owners a more information decision.

 

[electrofelon]

Scalawag states like New Jersey amend out safety outlets, so remodel outlets are no worries for you.

Where 2011 NEC was adopted unmolested, remodel outlets are construction defects until protected by the required xFCI.

IMO more states should stop blindly adopting NEC BS.

 

[ramsy]

IMO more states should stop blindly adopting NEC (AFCI) BS.

The best protection property owners have against hacks, is to enforce the electrical permit, & avoid General Contractors (GC).

Asking contractors to include AFCI's just make the roaches scatter, and leaves the cream of the crop left standing.

 

[electrofelon]

The best protection property owners have against hacks, is to enforce the electrical permit, & avoid General Contractors (GC).

Asking contractors to include AFCI's just make the roaches scatter, and leaves the cream of the crop left standing.

I'm not so sure. Ive seen plenty of horrendously awful licensed people......

 

[LarryFine]

I still think there was nothing wrong with fuses, properly implemented.

The homes I grew up in had fuses, and nothing ever failed to work properly.

 

[ramsy]

I'm not so sure. Ive seen plenty of horrendously awful licensed people......

Was that worst work inspected ?