How to circuit with an AFCI

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socalclem

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My question concerns AFCI circuiting. Now that All general-use outlets in dwelling unit bedrooms rated at 125v 15 and 20A must be AFCI protected, Is it permissible to combine the receptacles and lights onto the same branch circuit? And if so, is it permissible to hit other rooms such as an adjoining bathroom from it?

I am new to the branch-circuit calculation part of this so i need help on how to calculate what exactly i can put onto a 15A AFCI circuit before it becomes "Full"

I realize that the 180VA per device only applies to Non-Dwelling applications, and that the bedroom receptacles are inluded in the 3VA per Sq. Ft. load calculations. 220-3(B)(10), 210-11(C)(3), and 210-52(E)&(G).

So with that said, when circuiting say a Master suite with master Bath, if i add up the maximum wattages of incandescent bulbs per each fixture 220-3(B)(4) , and the total computed load of ballasts on Flourescent fixtures 220-4(B) and the total is below 1,800 Watts (15A x 120v) then i am fine to place all remaining general-purpose receptacles on that circuit ?( in the master bedroom)

Theoretically i could have 1,799 Watts for the lights and 12 general-purpose receptacles all on 1 AFCI Breaker?

Do i apply 125% for this continuous load before determining if i am below the 1,800 Watts?

Correct me if i am off on this. If i have a 2,000 sq. ft. track home my general lighting load for a dwelling unit is 3VA per sq. ft. 2,000 x 3 = 6,000/120v=50amps\ (15a lighting circuits)= 3.33 round down to 3 (per 220.2(B) ). My minimum amount of lighting circuits for this house is 3 correct? Depending on the amount of Luminaires used and what type, i could use 3 AFCI breakers to protect every light and general-purpose receptacle in this house?

I appologize if this questions is way out of the ballpark. I need the all Information i can get.

Thank You.

Roger
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

First look at 220.3a not less than to me means that you can not round down. The code dose not say how many receptacles per circuit but in the real world (as I have learned the hard way) One 12 amp vac will blow the 3VA per sq foot away. I know that in the track home market that you need to get to the min as possible. but the reality is that the customer gets crap! no ofince. But 2000sq foot house with 3 gp lighting and recptical circuits is not going to cut it.
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

You need to figure at least 600 square feet per lighting circuit. If you have a 2000' home, you will need at least four lighting circuits. This is in addition to your 2 small appliance, laundry, and bath circuits. Like I said, four is the minimum.
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

Great input, yea i must have read the "rounding down" part backwards. Thanks for the correction. 4 circuits sound better but i agree, it is definatly a minimum amount. What about the AFCI loads?
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

NEC only requiers the bedrooms to be on the afci(thats lights recpt and somkes)you can also have other oultets on it if you wish. so any way you want to run your circuits and cover the bedrooms with AFCI and have the min ciurcuits is up to you by the NEC. As for me I put each bedroom on a AFCI, that size house I might put the M. bath on with the m. bed. and break up the rest of the house into 4-8 circuits depending on how many lights. also outside fo the bedrooms I like to seperate the recpt from the lights.
(the above is talking about GP outlets not the other needed circuits IE SA and gfi)

[ February 19, 2006, 06:40 AM: Message edited by: wyatt ]
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

Wyatt, I prefer separate circuits even for bedroom lighting and receptacles, and for the same reasons: less light dimming when turning on the TV, and no complete darkness from a tripped breaker.

For example, the bedroom (and hall) receptacles on one or more 20-amp circuit(s), and the bedroom and nearby (smokes, ceiling fans, closet, bath, hall, etc.) lighting on one or more 15-amp circuit(s).

I'm also a big fan of split-wiring receptacles in areas that typically use plug-in lighting, such as bedrooms, living and family rooms, etc. There is more to performance than just NEC compliance.
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

Larry I learned the hard to seperate recpt and lights. when I frist got started I ran lights and loades it up 80% or so. trying to save wire and brakers. there was one recpt. under the switches on a 3' sec of wall so I said what the hey. and put it on with lights. Turns out that was the one the HO picked to pulg the 12 amp vac into. went back and fixed it. I have lerned to give a little more to have a better product.
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

No Larry there is more than compliance to the NEC.It`s called quality.I spent 9 years with a company that did over 3,000 homes a year and now have my own company where I make more money have less headaches and the phone is ringing off the wall but bigger to me is not better.The builders I came to know and know me respect my opinion.I deal with a few custom builders and do some service (selective) and am as happy as a lark.I left tract homes to the players,why make a few dollars and have headaches when I can make a whole lot more and at my pace.Like yesterday the weather was beautifull and my boat looked real good so I made 1 call and went fishing.2 32 in snooks and 4 gag groupers so I spent today finishing up instead of yesterday.Tomorrow i start a 12,000 sq ft custom me and one helper.2 weeks to finish no pressure.It doesn`t get much better :D
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

Forgot to add my helper got 2 groupers 1 non keeper snook and 8 hours,ok he had to wash the boat when done ;)
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

Allen did you have to go find the custom GC are did they know you. I'm wanting to go out on my own I like res. work would like to keep it up no track would like to walk away knowing I did a great job and no fighting over a oultet to be added.
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

Scott I have held my masters for around 12 years now but the money I was getting was good enough to keep me there.In April of last year the company I have been with for 9 years went staff leasing and in December I didn`t like what I saw so I took the 6 weeks vacation starting 1/1 that was due me and left and opened up my own small business.I know I just opened but like I said my reputation here has at least followed me.By the way Jim American now is looking for a new residential MGR. if interested. :eek: I have no intention of big I have seen what that does high gross low bottom end and poor quality.
As far as the builders they came to know me through the past 15 years and know I will have the right job for the type of homes they build
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

Larry I am curious about this statement,

Originally posted by LarryFine:
no complete darkness from a tripped breaker.
Click to expand...
How do you keep out total darkness when there is a power failure? How many times are you expecting that circuit to trip out? Is it a general practice to count on a circuit tripping out with you? How do you prepare the room should the circuit feeding the light be the circuit that opens?
:confused:
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

socalclem,
Refer to 210.11(C)(3) regarding circuits for bathrooms. This would prohibit you from putting the Master Bathroom receptacle on with the bedroom circuit regardless of AFCI or calculated loads.
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

Even though myflorida.com is a state site it has severe problems.Just like the rest of this state does :roll: They fail to update thier files and I have even seen where a person was listed as a fugitive and was a law biding sheriff.
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

George, that's odd, it works if you enter Bryan Holland, David Parrish, Lloyd Bridgeman, Sid Palladino, David Porter, or others that are now or at one time or another was licensed in the state of FL. ;)

Roger
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

Roger if you really want my full legal name PM me.I am not going to lower myself to your level of childish antics and respond here.I promised the moderator I would not go there again when I spanked you the last time we locked horns.

Keep your enemies close but keep your friends and family closer ;)
 
Re: How to circuit with an AFCI

Golly gee whiz Allen, I didn't do anything, it's either you or the state of Florida that is not telling the truth. :D

BTW, I don't know what you're talking about concerning the "last time we locked horns" comment, and if you promised the moderators something, all I can say is, that sounds like a personal thing between you and them.

Once again, I just posted the search site, sorry if that put you in an uncomfortable position. :D

Roger

[ February 21, 2006, 05:55 AM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
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