ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues AFCI requirement

Is AFCI required for a bedroom closet light?

I don't see any reason why it would not require the AFCI protection. The closet is in the bedroom and all bedroom outlets require the protection.

This question has been posted in other forums, my answer is. A bedroom is a bedroom, a bathroom is a bathroom and a closet is a closet. If the prints label it as a closet, 210.12(B) does not require closets to have AFCI protection.

Pierre

PC,

I would like to pick your brain for your reason. True a closet is a closet. However, if a arc fault started in the closet light would the sleeping people be immune to the fire just because it is in the closet? IMO peoples lives are too special not to add the protection to the closet.

The Handbook makes it clear that the closet is not part of the bedroom and does not require AFCI protection. But it also points out that it would be logical to provide AFCI protection to these areas, as a branch circuit is in the area. It is perfectly legal to extend the AFCI protection to closets, hallways and the lights in the bathroom.

Glad I saw this as I was going to ask similar questions. Building an addition on side of my home. Its going to be a Master Bedroom and Bath and storage area. It goes up against a kitchen so my new Bedroom shares a wall with my kitchen. I can have all the wiring in a bedroom wall that runs a kitchen without being on an AFCI but if its receptacle in the bedroom it has to AFCI. Not sure I understand why I'm safer after doing that??.

Maybe the same reason you are required to have a smoke detector in the bedroom and not in the kitchen

By Jim M

Jim putting the closet on an AFCI might help and you are free to do so.

But is it required?

No it is not required which is what the question was.

I would be willing to bet PCBelarge goes beyond code minimums many times, but his answer in my opinion is right on the money.