Do I need to get AFCI breakers for my rewiring ?

ToeRiki

Member
Location
NJ
Occupation
Apprentice
Hey guys,
Hoping to get some insights here. I've read a bit and it seems like in NJ if you are rewiring the house, you don't need to add AFCI unless it's a complete gut job.
Can someone confirm this or shed some light ? I would like to replace my panel and rewire my house and add some outlets.
Thanks, any help much appreciated!
 

tom baker

First Chief Moderator & NEC Expert
Staff member
Location
Bremerton, Washington
Occupation
Master Electrician
The 2014 requires AFCI for replacing a receptacle, with one exception any new ckt requires AFCI. As an apprentice you need to know local laws that modify the NEC.
 

tom baker

First Chief Moderator & NEC Expert
Staff member
Location
Bremerton, Washington
Occupation
Master Electrician
And those documents should be with your NEC. To the OP, are these amendments covered in your apprenticeship classes?
 

infinity

Moderator
Staff member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Journeyman Electrician
For a service replacement AFCI protection is not required. Since you're in New jersey a copy of the NJ Electrical Subcode amendments are handy to have. Take a look at 210.12(D) and 406.4(D)(4) for AFCI's below. Here's my cleaned up version of NJ 5:23-3.16:

§ 5:23-3.16 Electrical subcode Amendments 2020 NEC:

(b) The following chapters or articles of the electrical subcode are amended as follows:

1. Article 90 of the electrical subcode, entitled "Introduction," is amended as follows:

i. Section 90.4, entitled "Enforcement," is amended to delete in the first paragraph the phrase,

"authority having jurisdiction for enforcement of the code" and substitute in lieu thereof, the term "electrical subcode official."

And add a new last sentence in the first paragraph: "Approval shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.9." Delete in the second paragraph the phrase "authority having jurisdiction" and substitute in lieu thereof the term "electrical subcode official" and add after "effective safety" the phrase "as provided in N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.9."

Delete in the third paragraph the phrase "authority having jurisdiction" and substitute in lieu thereof the term "electrical subcode official" and delete the phrase "by the jurisdiction" after the word "adopted."

ii. Section 90.5, entitled "Mandatory Rules, Permissive Rules, and Explanatory Material," is amended to add "except as outlined under N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.16(a)2i" after the word "Code" in line 6 under paragraph (C).

2. Chapter 1 of the electrical subcode, Article 100, entitled "Definitions," is amended as follows:

§ 5:23-3.16 Electrical subcode

i. The definition of the term "approved" is amended to delete the phrase "the authority having jurisdiction" and substitute in lieu thereof, the phrase "electrical subcode official. Approval shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.7."

ii. The definition of "Authority having jurisdiction" is replaced with "Unless otherwise specifically noted, the authority having jurisdiction for the Electrical Subcode shall be the Electrical Subcode Official."

iii. The definition of the term "building" is deleted and in lieu thereof, substitute the definition of the term "building" found in N.J.A.C. 5:23-1.4".

3. Chapter 2 of the electrical subcode, entitled "Wiring and Protection," is amended as follows:

i. Section 210.12(D), entitled "Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications - Dwelling Units," is deleted in its entirety.

4. Chapter 3 of the electrical subcode, entitled "Wiring Methods and Materials," is amended as follows:

i. Section 300.4(A)(1) is amended to delete the words from "so that the edge. . ." on line four through ". . . cannot be maintained" on line six and in lieu thereof substitute "as required by the building subcode. Where the distance from the edge of the hole to the nearest edge of the wood member is less than 32 mm (11/4 inches)."

ii. Section 334.12(A)(2) is deleted in its entirety.

5. Chapter 4 of the electrical subcode, entitled "Equipment for General Use" is amended as follows:

i. Section 406.4(D)(4), entitled "Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection," is deleted in its entirety.

ii. Article 425, entitled "Fixed Resistance and Electrode Industrial Process Heating Equipment," is amended as follows:

(1) Section 425.6, entitled "Listed Equipment," is deleted.

(2) Section 425.8, entitled "General," including subsections (A)-(C) are deleted.

(3) Section 425.10, entitled "Special Permission," is deleted.

(4) Section 425.12, entitled "Locations," including subsections (A) and (B) are deleted.

(5) Section 425.13, entitled "Spacing from Combustible Material," is deleted.

(6) Section 425.14, entitled "Infrared Lamp Industrial Process Heating Equipment," is deleted.

(7) Section 425.22(B), entitled "Resistance Elements," is deleted.

(8) Section 425.22(C), entitled "Overcurrent Devices," is deleted.

(9) Section 425.29, entitled "Marking of Heating Elements," is deleted.

(10) Section 425.45, entitled "Concealed Fixed Industrial Heating Equipment--Inspection," is deleted.

(11) Sections 425.57 through 425.64 are deleted.

(12) Section 425.71, entitled "Identification," is deleted.

(13) Subsections (A)-(E) of Section 425.72 are deleted.

(14) Section 425.81, entitled "Identification," is deleted.

(15) Section 425.83, entitled "Over temperature Limit Control," is deleted.

(16) Section 425.84, entitled "Over pressure Limit Control," is deleted.

6. Chapter 5 of the electrical subcode, entitled "Special Occupancies," is amended as follows:

i. Section 514.3(B)(3), with the exception of subsection (e), is deleted.

§ 5:23-3.16 Electrical subcode

ii. Section 525.5(B) of Article 525, entitled Carnivals, Circuses, Fairs and Similar Events, is deleted; it is replaced by Section 525.5(B) in the National Electrical Code 2005 as follows:

"525.5(B) Clearances to Rides and Attractions. Amusement rides and amusement attractions shall be maintained not less than 4.5 m (15 ft) in any direction from overhead conductors operating at 600 volts or less, except for the conductors supplying the amusement ride or attraction.

Amusement rides or attractions shall not be located under or within 4.5 m (15 ft) horizontally of conductors operating in excess of 600 volts."

iii. Part II of Article 550, entitled "Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes, and Mobile Home Parks" comprising sections 550.11 through 550.25 is deleted. Section 550.10 shall be retained.

(1) Exception--Part II is retained in its entirety in the case of mobile/manufactured homes undergoing repair, renovation, or alteration.

iv. In Article 551, entitled "Recreation Vehicles and Recreation Vehicle Parks," delete from the title the words "Recreational Vehicles and."

(1) Parts II, III, IV, and V, comprising sections 551.20 through 551.60, are deleted in their entirety, with the exception of Figure 551.46(C), which shall be retained.

v. Article 552 shall be applicable to structures covered by the recreational park trailers subcode,

N.J.A.C. 5:23-4D, provided that:

(1) The structure is restricted to seasonal use as per Section 552.4. For purposes of applying this requirement, the park in which the structure is located shall be open for six months or less each year or access to the structures shall be otherwise restricted to a period of six months or less each year; and

(2) No additions, alterations, or extensions of any kind shall be made to the electrical system or structure unless the entire electrical system shall be made to conform to the electrical requirements of this code applicable to single family dwellings.

7. Chapter 6 of the electrical subcode, entitled "Special Equipment," is amended as follows:

i. In Section 620.1, Scope, Informational Note No. 1 shall have "ASME A17.1-2016/CSA B44-16" deleted and "ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44-19" shall be inserted in its place;

ii. In Section 620.23(C), Duplex Receptacle, the Informational Note shall have "ASME A17.1-

2016/CSA B44-16" deleted and "ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44-19" shall be inserted in its place;

iii. In Section 620.24(C), Duplex Receptacle, Informational Note No. 1 shall have "ASME A17.1- 2016/CSA B44-16" deleted and "ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44-19" shall be inserted in its place;

iv. In Section 620.51(A), Type, the Informational Note shall have "ASME A17.1-2016/CSA B44-16" deleted and "ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44-19" shall be inserted in its place; and

v. In Section 620.91, Emergency and Standby Power Systems, Informational Note No. 1 shall have "ASME A17.1-2016/CSA B44-16" deleted and "ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44-19" shall be

inserted in its place.

vi. In Section 680.25(A)(1), Feeders (Wiring Methods), the following exception, from Section

680.25(A)(1) of the NEC/2011, shall be inserted:

"Exception: An existing feeder between an existing remote panelboard and service equipment shall be permitted to run in flexible metal conduit or an approved cable assembly that includes an equipment grounding conductor within its outer sheath. The equipment grounding conductor shall comply with 250.24(A)(5)."

8. Chapter 8 of the electrical subcode, entitled "Communication Systems," is amended as follows:

i. Section 805.156, entitled "Dwelling Unit Communications Outlet," is deleted in its entirety.

§ 5:23-3.16 Electrical subcode

9. Informative Annex H of the electrical subcode, entitled "Administration and Enforcement," is deleted in its entirety
 

ToeRiki

Member
Location
NJ
Occupation
Apprentice
The NJ take on grandfathered in is very different than what most states do.
Hi, sorry, would you mind helping me understand what this means ? Just making sure I am doing my due diligence. In other words:
The electrical box is in pretty old / bad shape. I want to replace it. I want to replace the wiring that is currently in place with newer wiring and extend the current outlets.
Does this mean I can use standard breakers and GFCI breakers for bathroom/near wet areas.
 

ToeRiki

Member
Location
NJ
Occupation
Apprentice
For a service replacement AFCI protection is not required. Since you're in New jersey a copy of the NJ Electrical Subcode amendments are handy to have. Take a look at 210.12(D) and 406.4(D)(4) for AFCI's below. Here's my cleaned up version of NJ 5:23-3.16:
Hi infinity,

I'm understanding this correctly:
I can upgrade the panel, breakers, and wiring, as well as add outlets (i believe this goes within 6') to existing circuits without having to go the AFCI route, correct ?
 

infinity

Moderator
Staff member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Journeyman Electrician
I can upgrade the panel, breakers, and wiring, as well as add outlets (i believe this goes within 6') to existing circuits without having to go the AFCI route, correct ?
You can extend existing circuits more than 6' (the 6' rule is removed) and not require AFCI protection. As Ken stated new circuits in areas that require AFCI protection will need to be AFCI protected.
 

ToeRiki

Member
Location
NJ
Occupation
Apprentice
If you are just replacing circuits that already exist, you do not need afci protection.

If you add new circuits those would require afci protection.
Thank you, so what is the point of AFCI if we don't have to protect existing circuits ?
What is to stop a home owner from saying that the new circuit is actually an old upgraded circuit ? Assuming no documentation on electrical work is available (mainly with older houses).
 

ToeRiki

Member
Location
NJ
Occupation
Apprentice
You can extend existing circuits more than 6' (the 6' rule is removed) and not require AFCI protection. As Ken stated new circuits in areas that require AFCI protection will need to be AFCI protected.
I thought that was still in place good to know. In this case would it be prudent to suggest this: instead of running new circuits (to avoid afci) upgrade wiring to support higher amp breakers and run more outlets here ? The biggest concern is false trips with afci, though I am inclined to suggest starting with AFCI then switching to standard if nuisance trips occur.
What is the general thought on AFCIs, have they gotten better nowadays and is any brand better in particular than others ?
 

Fred B

Senior Member
Location
Upstate, NY
Occupation
Electrician
(the 6' rule is removed)
Removed in NJ only? Because it is still in the '23 code
210.12(E)
(E) Branch Circuit Wiring Extensions, Modifications, or Replacements.
If branch-circuit wiring for any of the areas specified in 210.12(B), (C), or (D) is modified, replaced, or extended, the branch circuit shall be protected by one of the following:

  • (1) By any of the means described in 210.12(A)(1) through (A)(6)
  • (2) A listed outlet branch-circuit-type AFCI located at the first receptacle outlet of the existing branch circuit.
Exception:
AFCI protection shall not be required where the extension of the existing branch-circuit conductors is not more than 1.8 m (6 ft) and does not include any additional outlets or devices, other than splicing devices. This measurement shall not include the conductors inside an enclosure, cabinet, or junction box.
 

letgomywago

Senior Member
Location
Washington state and Oregon coast
Occupation
residential electrician
Thank you, so what is the point of AFCI if we don't have to protect existing circuits ?
What is to stop a home owner from saying that the new circuit is actually an old upgraded circuit ? Assuming no documentation on electrical work is available (mainly with older houses).
This is because it's NJs take on it. Electrical being made to fit the philosophy that say having angled stair treads when replacing the stairs vs rebuilding the entire staircase to 2021 irc
 

infinity

Moderator
Staff member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Journeyman Electrician
Thank you, so what is the point of AFCI if we don't have to protect existing circuits ?
What is to stop a home owner from saying that the new circuit is actually an old upgraded circuit ? Assuming no documentation on electrical work is available (mainly with older houses).
Nothing. Non-permitted work is performed all of the time with no inspection. NM cable does have the date printed on it so that may help.

Removed in NJ only? Because it is still in the '23 code
Yes it's in the quote in post #6. 210.12(D) is deleted from the NEC in NJ.
 

Fred B

Senior Member
Location
Upstate, NY
Occupation
Electrician
Nothing. Non-permitted work is performed all of the time with no inspection. NM cable does have the date printed on it so that may help.


Yes it's in the quote in post #6. 210.12(D) is deleted from the NEC in NJ.
No wonder why I get these guys coming up from NJ and then argue over AFCI not being needed.
 

Ken_S

Senior Member
Location
NJ
Occupation
Electrician
Thank you, so what is the point of AFCI if we don't have to protect existing circuits ?
What is to stop a home owner from saying that the new circuit is actually an old upgraded circuit ? Assuming no documentation on electrical work is available (mainly with older houses).

Most electrical contractors I encounter will install afci breakers when completely rewiring a house.
To, your question it can become a debate between the electrician and the inspector, if the job was permitted. However, common sense would dictate if you're rewiring a home that hadn't been updated ever and was wired with knob and tube or older wiring methods that additional new circuits were definitely added.
 

ToeRiki

Member
Location
NJ
Occupation
Apprentice
Most electrical contractors I encounter will install afci breakers when completely rewiring a house.
To, your question it can become a debate between the electrician and the inspector, if the job was permitted. However, common sense would dictate if you're rewiring a home that hadn't been updated ever and was wired with knob and tube or older wiring methods that additional new circuits were definitely added.
In your experience, which AFCI breakers are less prone to nuissance triping ?
 
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