ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues AFCI's again

I thought most everything was an outlet, outlet is an opening. Fixture, smoke detector, receptacle .....

Most everything except a switch?

[This message has been edited by JoeMed (edited 06-05-2005).]

[This message has been edited by JoeMed (edited 06-05-2005).]

Joe


I believe that is true in the eyes of an estimator who bids per opening.

As outlet relates to the NEC I will stick with Don's explanation.

If we call a switch an outlet a panel would be called an outlet.

I do not think even estimators consider a panel and outlet or opening.

what is not and opening, is the fixture in the bathroom or bedroom an opening?
I see his view about the switch and the utilization equipment not at this same location but then what else is not an opening. Put the panel a side this topic was in reference to "outlets" (the switch) that needs to AFCI protected in the bedroom.

[This message has been edited by JoeMed (edited 06-05-2005).]

I suppose we might define "outlet" as a hole electricity comes out of......a switch goes in a hole that electricity might pass through, but doesn't come out of.
A switch doesn't really "use" electricity- it just controlls it. Same for panels, starters, photocells, motion sensors, and many timers.
How do we tell is something "uses" electricity? Lok at how we wire it. If it is wired in series, it doesn't use electricity. If it is in parallel- as receptacles are- then it's probably an outlet. (Please, motor control guys, let this slide!)

Let's keep it simple- things are complicated enough already!

If the "switch" controls outlets in the bedroom, it is going to get AFCI protected anyway. If the "switch" is in the bedroom, but controls an outlet in the closet or bathroom, it is not required to be AFCI protected