Hi,
GEO YOU SAID: "I can accept the fact that adding an outlet to an existing circuit will not necessarily trigger changing to AFCI protection of the existing circuit"...WRONG!
I beleive the code is VERY clear that ALL NEW OUTLETS (Existing or not)in bedrooms must have arc fault protection. This covers new installations.
the nec is NOT allowing you to extend or install a new outlet without afci protection.
there is NO article that will allow you to extend an existing circuit or install a new branch circuit/outlet or receptacle or whatever you care to call without this protection.
new installation doesnt mean a new building...it means any new install since right now! if you are allowing or installing NEW outlets even if the house is a 100 years old...if it is in the bedroom you MUST have afci protection without it, it IS a violation of the NEC no matter how you try to twist the words or invent new meanings to existing words.
if i have a residence with a two wire circuit, then the service MUST be UPGRADED to meet the new requirement...plain and simple...you cant go around second guessing the code...if a receptacle or smoke detector or whatever is NEW in a bedroom then IT MUST HAVE AFCI..i did not see in the code where it says that the exception is a two wire service or that if the panel wont accept the breaker etc. etc..those comments are made up and does not exsit anywhere except in that persons mind..
the code is written for an 8th grade education...pretty simple stuff...
regards
greg
