Panel Replacement

former33t

I'm installing a new main service panel (upgrading 100 to 200 amp) and have a couple of quick questions:
1. The new code says that all circuits in bedrooms have to be AFCI protected at the breaker. Does this mean that I need AFCI breakers in the new panel for any branch circuits that feed into one of the bedrooms?

2. Does the AFCI requirement include the smoke alarms that have to be installed in all bedrooms now? My municipality told me that any permitted work would have to comply with the smoke alarm code.

3. Since it will be difficult to run additional branch circuits from the panel later (through the finished wall) can I install additional conductors (say 12/2) into the panel (even wired to a breaker if need be) and feed them to junction boxes in the crawl space where they would be capped off? The idea here is that if I ever need another branch circuit, I could pull it from one of these boxes rather than trying to fish a conductor through finished walls.

Thanks in advance for your help.

220/221

1. Depends on the municipality. Not here in AZ. Code upgrades aren't required with a service upgrade...except grounding/bonding

2. Technically, yes since the smokie jbox is an "outlet". Again, up to the locals.

3. Yes.

ElectricianJeff

All good advice but on #3 you might forget the conductors and pipe down to the crawl for future raceway if needed.

Jeff

J. V.

Service changes here in SC have no effect on interior wiring. But you must upgrade your grounding and bonding conductors as stated above.

former33t

After reading 220/221's response, I called the electrical inspector today and was told that:
1. Existing wiring is okay without an AFCI. Do have to upgrade grounding and bonding to code.
2. The smoke detectors required for any permitted job in my area do not have to be on AFCI.
3. I can run the new branch circuits and terminate them in j-boxes under the house.

Jeff, I thought about the idea of running a service raceway, but the location where the panel is going is on five feet of concrete slab with 2x10's lifting to finished floor, then it gets into the crawl space.

Do you think I'd be able to effectively run cable through a service raceway that long (~4 feet vertical down from the panel and then five feet out to the crawl space)?

220/221

Easily if you use 2" PVC