Upgrading panel - do I need replace the breakers to meet the new AFCI requirements?

[ianmurphy]

I sorry if this has already been asked. We are upgrading our 100A panel which must have been installed ~40 years ago. We are not upgrading the service or relocating anything. Do I need to install AFCI breakers per 26-656 or is there some sort of grandfather clause?

 

[480sparky]

Your AHJ will have your answer.

 

[texie]

I sorry if this has already been asked. We are upgrading our 100A panel which must have been installed ~40 years ago. We are not upgrading the service or relocating anything. Do I need to install AFCI breakers per 26-656 or is there some sort of grandfather clause?

Here in the US the NEC would not require them just for a panel change. I don't know what the CEC says. We need more Canadian guys here on the forum.

 

[ianmurphy]

I will contact the AHJ for Ontario and post the answer for anyone else in my province. Each province might have a different answer though

 

[ianmurphy]

For anyone in Ontario, the official answer from ESA is that its not required but it is recommend. See question 3 from this bulletin:

https://esasafe.com/assets/files/esasafe/pdf/Electrical_Safety_Products/Bulletins/26-29-3.pdf

 

[Ahasca]

In Alberta they're not required if you're just changing the panel.