Question on changing out a residential sub panel and required branch circuit breakers

[jango]

Can I get some insight on the requirements for changing out an old residential sub panel to new and what types of circuit breakers are ok to use? I understand that any newly installed circuits that are added require AFCI protection. But what about existing circuits being fed by existing old romexes or even knob & tube wiring? I've always been under the impression that existing circuits feeding existing parts of the residence do not require AFCI protection. Many of them are on shared neutral circuits and I believe the potential for nuisance tripping could be very high. Any feedback and/or experience would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BillyMac59]

Check with your local AHJ / inspection department. They will have the final call.

 

[infinity]

Can I get some insight on the requirements for changing out an old residential sub panel to new and what types of circuit breakers are ok to use? I understand that any newly installed circuits that are added require AFCI protection. But what about existing circuits being fed by existing old romexes or even knob & tube wiring? I've always been under the impression that existing circuits feeding existing parts of the residence do not require AFCI protection. Many of them are on shared neutral circuits and I believe the potential for nuisance tripping could be very high. Any feedback and/or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Please update your profile to indicate your occupation and location. Thanks.

 

[Another C10]

Any feedback and/or experience would be greatly appreciated.

In California as long as no branch wire is lengthened within the panel upgrade the city typically doesn't require the AFCI code to apply. Satisfying some clause of utilizing existing wiring.

 

[Joe.B]

My previous boss moved her from out of the area and caused quite an uproar because he said upgraded breakers were required on service changes. Stood his ground for months, then he went to a NEC training and the instructor said that was not the intent of the NEC. He came back and ate crow.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

This is clearly addressed in the Exception to 210.12(D).

 

[Joe.B]

I agree with you 100% and that's how I interpreted it before he showed up. His argument was that the service panel was part of the "branch-circuit wiring" which I thought was ridiculous, but he was the boss so I had to follow his determination... This is why the very first response "Check with your local AHJ / inspection department. They will have the final call." is very good advice. Even if they are blatantly wrong they do have the authority to make that interpretation and dig their heels in if they want. In my limited experience (worked under 5 different BO's in 4 years) that's not a sustainable management model.