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Electrical Wiring for a Sun Room

I am adding a sunroom and need to add one 15 amp electrical circuit. My existing panel has room for a mini 15 amp breaker. Do I need an AFCI breaker for this sunroom?


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Electrical Circuit Protection for a Sun Room

[ad#block]Question: I am adding a sun room and need to add one 15 amp electrical circuit. My existing panel has room for a mini 15 amp breaker. Do I need an AFCI breaker for this sunroom? If so I will need to change the panel out. If I change the panel, will I need to upgrade the entire house to AFCI breakers.

Thanks
Frank B

This electrical question came from: Frank, from Weston, Colorado

See more about Home Wiring for Colorado

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Frank
AFCI Circuit Protection for a Sun Room
Frank, yes – according to the NEC Code the sun room is required to be on a AFCI circuit.
NEC 210.12(A)   In sun rooms, all 120 volt 15 and 20 amp branch circuits supplying outlets in the sun room area shall be protected by a listed AFCI arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

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Basic House Wiring Circuits
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House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers

This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

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Electrical Circuit Breakers
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Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

Home AFCI Circuits
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GFCI and AFCI Circuit Breakers

Arc Fault Circuit Interruption AFCI provides the extra measure of safety for your family. AFCI’s are installed serving required house wiring circuits protecting areas such as the bedrooms. AFCI protects the bedroom circuit devices against the danger of arcing which can lead to fire.
AFCI Circuit Electrical Codes


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Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
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NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
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The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Electrical Wiring for a Sun Room”
  1. boris shpilberg says:

    Are the miniature branch circuit breakers in existing panels allowed by New York City electrcical code. What is the article of the code?
    Thanks.

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Boris,
    It is most common to see breakers for branch circuits no smaller than 15 amps 120 volts in a home electric circuit panel. I’m not sure what size you are referring to as miniature circuit breakers. The exact application would have to be identified as well as the electrical panel to have a better understanding about the situation.
    Dave