Emergency light circuit on AFCI

[hhsting]

I have light fixtures that are emergency that are connected ahead of any local switches. This place is residential converted to assisted living with 8 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, basements. So its considered dwelling unit but commercial

So the question is emergency light circuits are connected to the lights circuit, ahead if local
light switch which is in bedrooms, living rooms etc

The designer placed AFCI on the light circuit breaker including those emergency light circuit ahead of local switch also serve bedrooms, living room, hallway lights and light switch.


Can AFCI be placed on emergency light given above scenario? I don’t see exception 210.12(A) NEC 2014 but might have missed it could be anywhere in code

 

[tom baker]

No exception, same as smoke detectors. CMP recognized this issue back in 2002, stating need to protect the wiring to the smoke detectors. If the AFCI trips, the light comes on, alerting to a wiring issue.

 

[hhsting]

Would dedicated receptacle outlet need to be AFCI in attic?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I agree the afci needs to be used- no exceptions that I know about

Attic is not one of the areas mentioned in 210.12 so IMO, no afci for an attic receptacle, unless it is a habitable attic