Citrus county interpretation on arc faults

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klineelectric

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electrical contractor
This is not my interpretation, they make us put arc fault on EVERY outlet that doesn't require GFCI. I guess even though " garage, laundry, bathroom, etc are defined in art.100 of the NEC , the codemakers FORGOT to list these areas with all the others in 210.12:confused::mad:
07/21/2010

CITRUS COUNTY BUILDING DIVISION
NOTICE
JULY 13, 2010
To: Electrical contractors, general, building and residential contractors,
owner/builders, and interested parties
From: The Citrus County Building Division
Subj: 2008 NEC 210.12 ? ARC Fault Protection
The following constitutes our interpretation and application of 2008 NEC 210.12 ?
ARC Fault Protection:
? All single phase 120 volt 15 and 20 ampere branch circuits supplying outlets,
(NEC 100 defines outlets to include receptacles, lighting and smoke
alarms installed in dwelling units)
? 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 UL approved combination type ARC fault breaker
? Branch circuits that supply power to receptacles that are required to be
GFCI protected per NEC 210.8-1 thru 8 are exempt from ARC fault
protection. These areas include kitchen countertops, bathrooms, unfinished
basements, laundry rooms, garages and outdoors.
Lighting outlets in the aforementioned area shall be ARC fault protected
Fixed in place appliance circuits such as washing machine, microwave oven,
garbage disposal, and dishwasher are exempt from ARC fault protection as well
as GFCI protection. If sink is within 6? of washing machine then GFCI required
on washer receptacle.
Kitchen refrigerator receptacles will be ARC fault protected
240 Volt circuits are exempt from ARC fault protection
 
No comments???.....Am I reading it wrong? All surrounding building depts are reading code like it is written, not requireing afcis in garages, laundry, bathrooms, etc.
 
Challenge how, they are saying this is their interpretation. They also fallback on ahj. Is there an "official interpretation" or a way to get one. As a contractor I dont want to get on anyones bad side, I just wish we were all on the same page.:)
 
But you live in the paradise state of FL, I can't believe there would be these kinds of problems. ;):D

I know I'm not helping here. :)

Roger
 
Paradise this time of year yes, but it is a much different place july-sept. Not fun working conditions. Also not alot of work here right now.
 
klineelectric said:
Paradise this time of year yes, but it is a much different place july-sept. Not fun working conditions. Also not alot of work here right now.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, I was being sarcastic, I know all about FL. I am 4th generation Floridian with family from Sarasota to the GA line.

Roger
 
klineelectric said:
joking , Im from NJ and hear the yankee thing alot down here. Still better here than trying to staple romex in 10degree winters.
Click to expand...

Well, I must admitt that there should be a law that romex can't be run below 75 deg. ;)

Roger
 
klineelectric said:
This is not my interpretation, they make us put arc fault on EVERY outlet that doesn't require GFCI. I guess even though " garage, laundry, bathroom, etc are defined in art.100 of the NEC , the codemakers FORGOT to list these areas with all the others in 210.12:confused::mad:
07/21/2010

CITRUS COUNTY BUILDING DIVISION
NOTICE
JULY 13, 2010
To: Electrical contractors, general, building and residential contractors,
owner/builders, and interested parties
From: The Citrus County Building Division
Subj: 2008 NEC 210.12 ? ARC Fault Protection
The following constitutes our interpretation and application of 2008 NEC 210.12 ?
ARC Fault Protection:
? All single phase 120 volt 15 and 20 ampere branch circuits supplying outlets,
(NEC 100 defines outlets to include receptacles, lighting and smoke
alarms installed in dwelling units)
? 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 UL approved combination type ARC fault breaker
? Branch circuits that supply power to receptacles that are required to be
GFCI protected per NEC 210.8-1 thru 8 are exempt from ARC fault
protection. These areas include kitchen countertops, bathrooms, unfinished
basements, laundry rooms, garages and outdoors.
Lighting outlets in the aforementioned area shall be ARC fault protected
Fixed in place appliance circuits such as washing machine, microwave oven,
garbage disposal, and dishwasher are exempt from ARC fault protection as well
as GFCI protection. If sink is within 6? of washing machine then GFCI required
on washer receptacle.
Kitchen refrigerator receptacles will be ARC fault protected
240 Volt circuits are exempt from ARC fault protection
Click to expand...

From skimming over what you have it is not much different than what the NEC calls for in 210.12 (B). Except the statement that the refg. will be AFCI'ed. Even in their interpretation they leave out KITCHEN as an area requiring AFCI. It has been discussed before the omission of the kitchen area would imply that circutes in the kitchen would not require AFCI protection but would not negate the requried GFCI protection for the SABC's. So if the refg. was in a kitchen area then by NEC the refg. would not require AFCI whether it be on it's own circ. or on one of the SABC's
 
I recently asked my AHJ if AFCI protection is required for the following areas: attics, patios, porches, exterior locations, garages, kitchens, pantries and bathrooms.

I was told that non-GFCI receptacles in kitchens may require AFCI protection because the code requires it for dining rooms and "similar areas". To me, this seems like a misinterpretation of the code. If the code goes to the extent of listing less common areas such as sunrooms to require AFCI protection, would it not follow that kitchens would also be listed (or at least state specific outlets to require AFCI protection)?

I was also told that pantries may need AFCI protection because they may be considered a closet.

Are there any inspectors out there who would care to weigh in on this?
 
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