The FIGHT is on! Dispute over AFCIs again expansion in NEC 2026

[brother]

I remember my older post had asked if the AFCI have proven themselves since its been some years they were required. It appears that most believe they really havent.

Now in my area, (undisclosed emails from officials etc..) are starting to push back on these things as they have stated there really has no evidence of them being able to prevent fires like they claimed as they have checked the data over the years of requirements in the area. And the expansion of them in the NEC 2026 upcoming is even more of an issue with some due to high costs of living.

Some jurisdictions have started to remove the requirement and allow the standard breakers back. Is there a fight brewing in your area about this expanding in the upcoming 2026 NEC?

I know some of the upgrades in panels Ive seen has not had some installed, they get by by not doing anything down stream from the panel is what Im told.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

And the expansion of them in the NEC 2026 upcoming is even more of an issue with some due to high costs of living.

There is no expansion for AFCIs in dwelling units in the 2026 code. The only expansion was in 210.12(D) where the AFCI requirement was expanded to include:

Areas designed for use exclusively as sleeping quarters in fire stations, police stations, ambulance stations, rescue stations, ranger stations, and similar locations.

As far as evidence, give the number of new dwelling compared to all of the dwellings that existed prior to any AFCI requirements, it will be at least another decade before there is any valid statistical evidence one way or the other.

 

[hbiss]

The only expansion was in 210.12(D) where the AFCI requirement was expanded to include:

Areas designed for use exclusively as sleeping quarters in fire stations, police stations, ambulance stations, rescue stations, ranger stations, and similar locations.

Is this stupid or what????

Probably want tamper proof receptacles too.

-Hal

 

[ModbusMan]

Probably want tamper proof receptacles too.

Like most child-proofing gadgets, the stupid things do a better job of keeping ME out.

 

[ptonsparky]

Like most child-proofing gadgets, the stupid things do a better job of keeping ME out.

If you want into those things, borrow a child from someone. (get permission of owner 1st)

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Like most child-proofing gadgets, the stupid things do a better job of keeping ME out.

Every time I have been to a trade show where those devices were on the display table, I walked away with objects sticking out of both sides of the receptacle.

 

[steve66]

The only expansion was in 210.12(D) where the AFCI requirement was expanded to include:


Is this stupid or what????

Probably want tamper proof receptacles too.

-Hal

The one room I have designed that would be affected had:
1. 2 exits.
2. A 2 hour rating around the entire room.
3. Smoke detectors
4. CO detection.
5. Sprinklers.
6. All electrical wiring in EMT conduit and devices in metal boxes.
7. All non-combustible construction (metal studs, concrete floor, drywall walls and ceiling...)
8. Emergency egress lighting.

But I guess that's not safe enough for guys that rush into burning buildings every day for a living.

 

[Joethemechanic]

It's the damn "Nanny State" and Bureaucracy. Everyone is scared to vote down anything that has been presented as providing the tiniest smidgen of safety.

Pretty soon we will all have to inhabit fireproof, gazillion dollar, padded bubbles while being watched 24/7/365 with a camera