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#161967 04/10/07 10:21 PM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 179
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derater Offline OP
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Does changing the breaker constitute " working on the circuit" ? i.e. does a panel change (only) require AFCI's for bedrooms ?

Joined: Jul 2004
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G
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That is going to be a local call at plan review time.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Mar 2002
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derater Offline OP
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Gfretwell; way past planning. the ? relates to a legal matter. IS it code or not ?

Joined: Apr 2002
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Derater:
In NJ, this may be classified as a 'repair' and not require a permit or insp.
NJ does not require AFCI protection, as it was amended in the UCC.
Probably a local/area clarification.
Where are you??
John


John
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derater Offline OP
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I'm in Cent Pa. A 'home inspector' is contending that changing out the panel requires installing AFCI's. I've never heard of such a thing.

Joined: Jul 2004
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Member
What was there previously, breakers or fuses? Were any circuits added?

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M
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Originally Posted by derater
I'm in Cent Pa. A 'home inspector' is contending that changing out the panel requires installing AFCI's. I've never heard of such a thing.


The 2005 code requires AFCI protection of the branch circuit supplying all 120 volt 15 and 20 amp outlets INSTALLED in bedrooms of dwellings. A simple panel replacement usually does not involve any installation of new 120 volt outlets in bedrooms of dwellings, so therefore a careful read of the code section requiring afci protection will highlight the fact that "home inspectors" are generally as far off as my spelling seems to always be.

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G
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I assume it is universal but any permit pulled in Lee County Florida will go through plan review. It may just be a rubber stamp but it can also be kicked back if it does not include the things they require. That is where the decision would be made if a panel upgrade triggers AFCI installation.
Of course if this gets done without a permit I am not sure who would be there to tell you AFCIs would be required. It is certainly not going to be a home inspector. They are not legally able to cite code unless they are licensed CODE inspectors. Florida does not even recognize "home inspector" as a regulated industry and their "inspectors" are just informal advisors with an occupational license. A home inspector can advise a client of anything they want, down to their favorite color for the toilet but it has no force of law.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Jul 2004
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BTW if you want a laugh, go over the the NACHI BB and see the ridiculous things working home inspectors think are "code".
http://www.nachi.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=19


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Apr 2002
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Greg:
Yes, we 'review' each app, but plans are not required for 'minor' work (EC's)

"Home Inspectors" can only 'suggest', not require anything here. Most, if not all 'suggest' that a Lic Professional be consulted (CYA on that)

John


John
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