Is arc fault protection required for a kitchen light circuit in the 2011 NEC?

[DaveBowden]

Have a remodel job that didn't pass inspection. We added 2 recessed can lights and 4 under cabinet lights in a kitchen. That wasn't the entire remodel job but it was the only thing the inspector didn't approve. We're under the 2011 NEC and the only thing I can figure is that he considers a kitchen to be a "similar room". With all the types of rooms listed in 210.12(A), I would expect "kitchen" to also be listed if it was intended to be included. The same thing would apply to "bathrooms" IMO.
Normally I would just install the AFCI breaker and not question it, but this job is on the 9th floor of a 10 story condo, wired in MC cable, completely trimmed out, and on a multi-wire branch circuit. Unless there is a double pole AFCI I haven't heard about, I don't know how I can do what the inspector wants.

 

[infinity]

AFCI protection is not required for kitchen lighting under the 2011 NEC. The inspector is making stuff up if he tries to call this similar to any room that does require it.

 

[Sierrasparky]

Tell him to wait till FL adopts the 2014 version of the NEC.

 

[infinity]

Tell him to wait till FL adopts the 2014 version of the NEC.

:thumbsup:

 

[infinity]

Here's one of the 2014 code changes that inserts the word kitchens into the requirement.

2-82a Log #3526 NEC-P02 Final Action: Accept in Principle
(210.12(A))
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Vince Baclawski, National Electrical Manufacturers Association
(NEMA)
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
(A) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch
circuits supplying outlets 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
listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type, installed to provide
protection of the branch circuit.
Substantiation: AFCIs have been required in the Code since 1999. The initial
requirement covered bedrooms only, giving installers an opportunity to gain
experience with what was at that time a new product, and for manufacturers to
address any unforeseen problems with their designs. 210.12 was modified in
2005 to require combination rather than branch-feeder type AFCIs, and the
areas where they are required was expanded in 2008. By the time the 2014
edition is published, the industry will have over a decade of experience with
the manufacture and installation of AFCIs and over 6 years of experience with
combination type AFCIs. The time has come to complete the arc-fault
protection task by requiring AFCI protection on all 15 and 20 ampere 120 volt
dwelling unit circuits.
Panel Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
In the existing text of 210.12(A), insert the word “kitchens,” before the
words “family rooms”.
The panel recognizes that the action taken on this proposal is in addition to
the action taken on Proposal 2-92.
Panel Statement: The panel has agreed to expanding the use of AFCIs into
kitchens and notes that this language mirrors the language in 210.52(A). The
panel has chosen this incremental step rather than expanding the requirement to
all 15 and 20 amp branch circuits.
Number Eligible to Vote: 11
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 9 Negative: 2