Is dimming module na 'outlet' and has to be afci protected?

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

darekelec

Senior Member
Location
nyc
Good morning.
in a scenario of a branch circuit in apartment that originates in breaker box, goes to lutron dimming panel with dimming module and then goes to outdoor patio lights, do I have to install afci breaker?
Thank you.
 
The issue is going to depend on which code cycle you are under. Article 100 defines a dimmer as a 'device' and not an 'outlet'. But in the NEC 2014 cycle in 214.12(A) the word 'device' is added to the definition of locations requiring an AFCI.

To be honest, not at all sure myself and there has been debate on this subject on this board. Hate to pass it off but you really need to check with you AHJ on what they are allowing on this one.
 
I think that the dimmer cannot be called an outlet, since the power it regulates does not leave the building wiring system at that point.
Whether it triggers the AFCI requirement varies with code cycle, as pointed out by starbolin.
 
darekelec said:
Good morning.
in a scenario of a branch circuit in apartment that originates in breaker box, goes to lutron dimming panel with dimming module and then goes to outdoor patio lights, do I have to install afci breaker?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
I think you mean panelized lighting control like Homeworks. If that is the case, the dimmer is not an outlet as it is just a Class 2 control device that is talking to the panel. The light outside would not need AFCI if the power is coming from the lighting panel directly to the light.
 
By the definition of an outlet in article 100 the Lutron dimming equipment would be an outlet.
 
infinity said:
By the definition of an outlet in article 100 the Lutron dimming equipment would be an outlet.
Click to expand...

I think you may be missing my point. If this is just a control that is Class 2 and the power of the circuit does not even go thru it it is no different than a thermostat. It is also not a 15 or 20 amp 120 volt circuit. You couldn't AFCI it even if you tried.
 
Continuing down the side track with infinity for a moment:
Would you call the j-box that connects to a 480 to 120 transformer whose secondary feeds back only into the building wiring system an outlet? Where is the utilization equipment in this case?
 
GoldDigger said:
Continuing down the side track with infinity for a moment:
Would you call the j-box that connects to a 480 to 120 transformer whose secondary feeds back only into the building wiring system an outlet? Where is the utilization equipment in this case?
Click to expand...

It may be an outlet, but unless it is 15 or 20 amp it does not need AFCI. And if you had such an arrangement where/how would you install AFCI anyway?
 
texie said:
It may be an outlet, but unless it is 15 or 20 amp it does not need AFCI. And if you had such an arrangement where/how would you install AFCI anyway?
Click to expand...
Just a hypothetical question trying to clarify the application of the definition of outlet. Not directly related to AFCI at all.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top