Am I understanding the 2008 code cycle change properly.
The way I am reading the changes, basically all living areas in a home (other than bed and bath) need to have the Arc Fault Breakers installed. And the bathroom / kitchen / outside outlets need Ground Fault breakers.
So the only place you use normal breakers is maybe the garage and unfinished basement areas?
If I am understanding this correctly, it will cost me over $1,000 to comply with 2008 code change.
Here are my questions:
Am I understanding the changes / new Requirements correctly?
Other than complying with the new code, how much additional safety do the arc fault breakers really provide? I tried to research it, and it seems like it is debated quite a bit.
The arc fault breakers @ around $45 each X 25 circuits* = $1125
Vs.
regular breakers @ around $4 each X 25 circuits = $100
*give or take a couple breakers, I need to add a couple, (that covers nearly 2900sqft, not including the basement.)
I am just talking about changing my panel and upgrading to 200A service. My understanding is that in changing the panel, my new panel would have to comply with the new code, hence having all of the arc fault & gfci breakers.
A new panel is just that. A new panel. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to put AFCI breakers on all the circuits in the home.
Here's the way I handle this...
If you're replacing the panel and you don't currently have AFCI's, the new panel and service must comply with code, but it is often unreasonable to require branch circuits to comply as well. You haven't made the house any less safe than it was with the old panel. I wouldn't require AFCI's on a service upgrade unless the person was also re-wiring affected parts of the house. If you're remodeling your bedroom (or another area requiring AFCI protection) and are opening the walls up and doing electrical work, I'd require that you bring that particular room up to code and install an AFCI breaker.
That's just my take, and it is subject to scrutiny I'm sure. Best to check with your local codes official.
This is definately a hot topic, and many jurisdictions are hesitant to adopt the '08 for this reason. They do increase the level of safety, but add to the cost. Give it a couple years and the code will require sprinkler systems in residential (think I'm kidding?). :no:
This is definately a hot topic, and many jurisdictions are hesitant to adopt the '08 for this reason. They do increase the level of safety, but add to the cost. Give it a couple years and the code will require sprinkler systems in residential (think I'm kidding?). :no:
I read a lot of posts on here, and I have realized that my well built home that was built in 1963, would need an incredible amount of work to be compliant with all the current codes.
I know it is of course not required to change old work to become compliant with the new codes, but when I do a little project, many times I am realizing that there are many parts of my project that are in violation of the current code. i.e. I am insulating an attached porch room, seems simple, I am planing on putting in a new insulated door. Well there is an attached garage right off the porch, so I know I am suppose to get a fire door. Then I realized that there is no fire wall, it is all just plywood in the garage. So where does one stop, changing the door, do I change it to a fire door and leave the wall alone even though it is pulled open to insulate?
The home "upgrades" start to feel all consuming! and the home projects are more or less what I am working on full time right now.
Trust me, I understand. That's why I posted what I did. I work in a town full of 40-100 year old homes, and constantly struggle with decisions on what to apply new code to and what to leave alone.
I wouldn't advise anyone to try to bring their old house into total compliance with the modern code. It isn't possible or practical without starting over. Just do the best you can to make it as safe as you can.
To answer your question, yes, I believe you are understanding the '08 correctly based on what I know about it. Haven't got one myself, so call the codes official to double check. My understanding is that all branch circuits 20 amps or less must be AFCI protected.
To answer your question, yes, I believe you are understanding the '08 correctly based on what I know about it. Haven't got one myself, so call the codes official to double check. My understanding is that all branch circuits 20 amps or less must be AFCI protected.
Check to see if your area has modifications to the NEC. In my state they substituted the word "bedroom" for all the rooms listed in the NEC 210.12 (B).
The way I am reading the changes, basically all living areas in a home (other than bed and bath) need to have the Arc Fault Breakers installed. And the bathroom / kitchen / outside outlets need Ground Fault breakers.
Jamie
AFCI's aren't an option in sleeping areas under the 2005 NEC, unless the state made amendments to the code. AFCI's were required to be phased in by 2001 in the 1999 NEC...Gotta have them in the sleeping areas.
Of course that's only going to apply to a total re-wire, remodel, or new construction.
That is true and that why our state did wrote in a optional and most of the electricians don't bother run the AFCI at all incluiding myself I am not too crazy with early AFCI breaker due some issue before but I do understand the latter models should be alot better than early one were.
Merci,Marc
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