[Clutchcargo]

Does code dictate which arc fault breakers are required or just that any arc fault breaker is required?
The difference being that some breakers protect only line-to-ground and line-to-neutral while others also protect for series faults.
TIA

 

[Jump-start]

2014 code requires AFCI all 120 volt circuits except those that serve only the bath, unfinished basements and dedicated equipment. Here is a copy and paste from the 2014 code:

210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection.

Arcfault circuit-interrupter protection shall be provided as required
in 210.12(A) (B), and (C). The arc-fault circuit interrupter
shall be installed in a readily accessible location.

(A) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and
20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed
in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining
rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms,
sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas,
or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by any of
the means described in 210.12(A)(1) through (6):

The AFCIs must be of the combination type which protect both from parallel (L-N & L-G) and series arc faults.

 

[Clutchcargo]

Thanks, I bought the wrong ones then... explains the price difference.

 

[Jump-start]

Thanks, I bought the wrong ones then... explains the price difference.

Welcome

Which did you buy btw? "Branch feeder" or "combination"? As long as they say "combination type" you are ok.

 

[JohnC20]

So this code says an ark fault is required on every circuit, correct?

 

[rjniles]

So this code says an ark fault is required on every circuit, correct?

There are so many changes made to the NEC about arc fault breakers by state and local jurisdictions that you would be best to ask your local inspector.

Some places have deleted the requirements for arc fault breakers.

 

[Jump-start]

So this code says an ark fault is required on every circuit, correct?

That feed outlets/appliances/lights in the mentioned areas yes. As RJ said there can be local amendments but they way the code is heading (2017 will require all 120 volt circuits if the draft goes through) its best to just protect everything.

 

[rjniles]

That feed outlets/appliances/lights in the mentioned areas yes. As RJ said there can be local amendments but they way the code is heading (2017 will require all 120 volt circuits if the draft goes through) its best to just protect everything.

Not trying to be argumentative but state/local jurisdictions will always have the option of over riding the NEC provisions. And I am sure many will.

Lets hope that the congress does not mandate all states follow the NEC as written.

 

[Clutchcargo]

Welcome

Which did you buy btw? "Branch feeder" or "combination"? As long as they say "combination type" you are ok.

The ones I bought are Branch Feeder (Siemens QA120AF); the ones I need are the QA120AFC.
I impulse bought 4 of them/$12 each before I realized there was a difference.

I'm just going to throw them in and see if anyone notices.
My city adopts the latest NEC as soon as it's released.

 

[gregzoll]

So this code says an ark fault is required on every circuit, correct?

My city & county still goes by the 2008 rules for AFCI breakers. Only needed in Bedrooms.

 

[Jump-start]

Not trying to be argumentative but state/local jurisdictions will always have the option of over riding the NEC provisions. And I am sure many will.

Lets hope that the congress does not mandate all states follow the NEC as written.

I know, and you did mention it.

 

[Jump-start]

The ones I bought are Branch Feeder (Siemens QA120AF); the ones I need are the QA120AFC.
I impulse bought 4 of them/$12 each before I realized there was a difference.

I'm just going to throw them in and see if anyone notices.
My city adopts the latest NEC as soon as it's released.

Combination have been required since 2005 if I remember correctly, so the inspector will notice if looking in depth.

 

[redshift]

The ones I bought are Branch Feeder (Siemens QA120AF); the ones I need are the QA120AFC.
I impulse bought 4 of them/$12 each before I realized there was a difference.

I'm just going to throw them in and see if anyone notices.
My city adopts the latest NEC as soon as it's released.

I finished my last basement right in the middle of the 2005/2008 code change. I couldn't believe my luck when I found CH AFCI breakers, same as my existing AFCI breakers, for $4 each at HD on the clearance rack so I picked up as many as I needed plus a couple extra.

AHJ said no way upon inspection and I had to go back and get combos for 5 times the price. Technically my permit was pulled while 2005 was in force and the inspection was done after they adopted 2008, but it wasn't worth arguing over.

I'm surprised if your area adopts NEC as soon as it happens that you can even still buy AFCI breakers without the G combo.

 

[redshift]

Combination have been required since 2005 if I remember correctly, so the inspector will notice if looking in depth.

WA started requiring them in 2008, but I can't remember which version of the NEC picked them up. My previous house was built in 2006 and the state only required AFCI (non-combo) in bedrooms and on the SD circuit at the time.

 

[gregzoll]

Not trying to be argumentative but state/local jurisdictions will always have the option of over riding the NEC provisions. And I am sure many will.

Lets hope that the congress does not mandate all states follow the NEC as written.

Exactly. The AFCI rules that were written into the last NEC, is about making money. Same as what some municipalities are fighting with D.C. and NFPA, regarding mandatory Fire Suppression systems installed in buildings, regardless of age.

 

[Arrow3030]

As a service electrician, I love AFCI's and their requirements