Sorry Al but I'm not with you on this. If all EI's across the country took this approach we'd be installing AFCI's every time a circuit breaker or a device went bad. What if the house still had fuses, would you still have to make that circuit AFCI protected ? IMHO, same logic applies, if you're not altering the branch circuit wiring you don't need AFCI protection. If the CMP's wanted the wording in "branch circuit wiring" to include devices they would have said so.
That's the point I was trying to make.
If the CMP's wanted the wording in "branch-circuit wiring" to NOT include devices they would have said so.
OK Al, I see your point of view but I don't necessarily agree with it. And yes, all posts here are just opinions, even if it's Mike Holt's opinion or interpretation. I agree there are many cases where arguing with an EI is a hopeless case. Fortunately here in NJ I can contact the Code Assistance Unit of the DCA and get their opinion or have them contact the EI and state their point of view if I am correct. If I wanted to pay extra for it I can even get a State inspector to come out and inspect my work. Just for the record, if all it took was to install an AFCI breaker and spend the $45.00 - end of discussion. However, I can't see how any EI or AHJ can compel you upgrade a service just to accommodate an AFCI breaker
They can't. But putting in a sub panel that will accommodate an AFCI is an option. Even in OP situation place a single breaker panel in the laundry circuit and install an AFCI. The original home run is now a feeder and not a branch circuit and doesn't require AFCI on the supply side. Finding readily accessible space with 110.26 working clearance for your new sub feed panel may be a new challenge though.
I agree but I'm still not understanding how you can be compelled to make a circuit an arc fault in an existing laundry room that originally had a GFCI in it. If you do a service upgrade are you required to make all the existing circuits arc fault ? It's one thing to convert it to AFCI if you want to but to be compelled to do so is quite another.
And they haven't even come close to perfecting the full space units yet
You don't have to provide AFCI protection for the bedroom circuit where you are replacing a broken receptacle, but if you don't, you have to install an outlet type AFCI receptacle.
I'm curious, Don, if 2014 NEC 406.4(D)(4) requires an AFCI of either the OBC or circuit breaker type, how do you know? I don't see the laundry outlet described in the text of 406.4(D)(4).
I agree with you and Al - It may be the intent of the CMP to include AFCI protection when replacing a receptacle - but if so they have a controversy with 210.12(B) exception.
But you see, that's just it. CMP 2, in creating the Exception to 2014 NEC 210.12(B), were explicit in saying their intent was to exempt normal device replacement on existing wiring. Look below at CMP 2's action, from the 2014 ROP, that created the language in 2014 NEC 210.12(B) Exception.
