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Posted By: candyman Arc fault - 02/03/11 05:34 AM
How is the Arc fault being used in the US? is it a code must now for the bedrooms?
Posted By: HotLine1 Re: Arc fault - 02/03/11 03:09 PM
candyman:

The requirements for AFCI on this side of the border vary from state to state, dependent on the edition of the NEC that each state adopted.

New Jersey is currently on the 2008 NEC, and AFCI is required per that edition. Previously we were under the '05 until late 2009, and AFCI was NOT a state requirement, although it was within the '05, and required in other states.



Posted By: ghost307 Re: Arc fault - 02/03/11 04:08 PM
John's right about it being dependent on the specifics of each jurisdiction.

Back in the 1999 NEC AFCI was required for bedroom receptacle outlets. In the 2002 NEC the word "receptacle" was removed so that it was required for all bedroom outlets. Over the past few Code cycles it's been expanded to require AFCI darn near everywhere in the Dwelling.
I think right now that just about every outlet needs either GFCI or AFCI.

The current requirements in the area where you're working depends on which edition of the Code is being enforced; in addition to any local Amendments.
Posted By: HotLine1 Re: Arc fault - 02/04/11 12:29 AM
Ghost:

"I think right now that just about every outlet needs either GFCI or AFCI."

That about sums it up here with '08. The key is 'outlet'.



Posted By: harold endean Re: Arc fault - 02/04/11 03:24 PM
John,

Next thing you know, they will make the main service breaker GFCI/AFCI.
Posted By: ghost307 Re: Arc fault - 02/04/11 03:53 PM
I suggested that back in 1999 and got shot down.

There should have been an option in the Code to install a single AFCI Main instead of multiple AFCI branch breakers.
Let the installer determine what is the best bang for the buck.
Posted By: gfretwell Re: Arc fault - 02/04/11 05:57 PM
Yeah, that's a great idea. Your fridge trips the AFCI, drops power to the house and your pipes are frozen when you get home from your vacation to Disney World.
Posted By: mikesh Re: Arc fault - 02/04/11 06:30 PM
Maybe if the main was a GFI with a higher trip setting but then you would still need GFCI for all the shock protection.
We work very hard to not adopt all the GFCI requirements from the NEC. A really good shock does wonders for the average Joe.
We only have GFCI protection for plugs within 5 feet of sinks, Plugs within 2.5 meters of grade and spa tubs and hot tubs. In fact there are a number of ways to install a hot tub without GFCI protection. The hot tub GFCI is being changed to require it.
No GFCI in basements, No GFCI in softs as long as it is mounted higher than 2.5 meters.
GFCI on construction sites. Not too many more.
Posted By: renosteinke Re: Arc fault - 02/04/11 08:21 PM
Well, Greg ... of course you'll get Mickey Mouse work when you're on a Minnie-mum budget! To expect otherwise is just plain Goofy!

(Sorry, I coundn't resist) laugh
Posted By: harold endean Re: Arc fault - 02/05/11 03:30 AM
OOOOHHHHH!!!! Reno,


That was SOO bad! smile
Posted By: PAteenlectrician Re: Arc fault - 02/08/11 09:02 PM
What about afi protected subpanels?
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