Retirement/rehab Facility Units (AFCI Protection)

[Willoferd]

Here in NY we are currently working off the 2014 NEC. I cant seem to find a clear definition of a dormitory unit. My question is, if we are building an addition to a retirement home and adding units (no cooking provisions), would those units be considered "dormitory" units and therefore require AFCI protection?

 

[anthonysolino]

I would have to look at the definition of a dwelling unit? that might help make the decision, being that its not defined in the 2017 NEC either.

permanent provisions for one or more persons , the following

1. living
2. sleeping
3. cooking
4. sanitaion.

if my area met all of the following I would say it would be considered a dwelling unit. maybe some other folks have other ideas.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Because it was not clear what a dormitory unit was and because the term was used in multiple code articles a definition was added for the 2020 code, however that really does not help for an installation under the 2014 code. As I recall the new definition in the 2020 is based on the building codes. Check the locally adopted building codes to see if the term is defined. The substantiations for adding "dormitory units" in the 2014 code, appear to be aimed at college dorms, but without a definition, it is difficult to know how to enforce the 2014 language.
Here is what would apply if you were using the 2020 NEC.

Dormitory Unit. A building or a space in a building in which group sleeping accommodations are provided for more than 16 persons who are not members of the same family in one room, or a series of closely associated rooms, under joint occupancy and single management, with or without meals, but without individual cooking facilities.

 

[anthonysolino]

Because it was not clear what a dormitory unit was and because the term was used in multiple code articles a definition was added for the 2020 code, however that really does not help for an installation under the 2014 code. As I recall the new definition in the 2020 is based on the building codes. Check the locally adopted building codes to see if the term is defined. The substantiations for adding "dormitory units" in the 2014 code, appear to be aimed at college dorms, but without a definition, it is difficult to know how to enforce the 2014 language.
Here is what would apply if you were using the 2020 NEC.

thats good to know, they finally defined it?