ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion Canadian Electrical Code Topics AFCI

In the latest issue if EB Mag, a P.Eng has an article about "The 2015 CE Code and AFCIs"

In this article she states...
- "...expanding protection from arcing faults beyond the bedroom to other general-use receptacles in dwelling units..."
- "...it will be required to have the wiring between the branch circuit overcurrent device and the outlet branch circuit AFCI contained in a metal raceway, armoured cable or non-metallic conduit or tubing."

Is there anybody here that has any insight into what all this is going to mean for wiring a house?

It means that if you are not using a panel AFCI breaker and you are going for the "device type", the wiring to it has to be in a metal wiring method.
In new construction, you usually just use the breaker.

Thanks Greg.
I was hoping that somebody might have some insight on changes in the new code that's coming.

When she states "expanding beyond the bedroom". Expanding into what? All receptacles? All circuits?
The metal wiring method, does this mean that we will not be able to simply add a receptacle in an existing house with a panel that doesn't have an AFCI breaker available for it?

FYI this is a CEC Code not an NEC Code

Thanks Doug.
Things are a little different down here I think.

Just read the article HERE on page 22. It is an interesting read and look forward to more input.

Looks like you guys are catching up to us on the AFCI requirements.