Electrical Codes for AFCI Circuits

Summary: Listing of electrical codes for AFCI circuit with examples of electrical AFCI circuit codes for home electrical wiring. By: Dave Rongey

Electrical Code Definitions for AFCI Electrical Circuits

AFCI Electrical Codes.

Electrical Code examples for AFCI

Some of the Electrical Code examples are based on the following:

International Residential Code (IRC)

The National Electrical Code (NEC)

Code Adoption Information:
The codes shown are examples only and may not be current or accurate for your application or jurisdiction. Contact your local building authority for complete information.

Generally, state laws require that all electrical work to be performed by licensed, bonded and insured electrical contractors and their employees. Homeowners, within limitations, may perform electrical work on premises the person owns and actually occupies as a residence or owns and will occupy as a residence upon completion of construction.

In most states, combination permits are generally issued that include electrical permit fees. Check your building permit to see if it already includes the electrical permit fee.

Some Home Electric Codes include the following:

NEC 210-12 - AFCI Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter
NEC 210-12 of the National Electrical requires arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection be provided for all branch circuits that supply 125-volt, single phase, 15-and 20-ampere receptacle outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms.

Timeline of Enforcement:
This requirement will be enforced by the board of electricity on all projects inspected after January 1, 2002.

The board of electricity will not require AFCI protection on existing branch circuits unless they are extended into or within a bedroom after January 1, 2002.

Residential Electrical Code Examples for AFCI circuit

NEC Codes for AFCI - Arc Fault
NEC 210.12 General Circuitry in Bedrooms
All branch circuits supplying 125-volt, 15 and 20-ampere outlets in dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter device. Generally, these are circuit breaker type devices and cannot be installed on multi-wire branch circuits.

NEC 210.12 General Circuit Requirements in Family Rooms
All branch circuits supplying 125-volt, 15 and 20 ampere outlets shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

NEC 210.12 General Circuit Requirements in Dining Rooms
All branch circuits supplying 125-volt, 15 and 20 ampere outlets shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

NEC 210.12 General Circuit Requirements Living Rooms
All branch circuits supplying 125-volt, 15 and 20 ampere outlets shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

NEC 210.12 General Circuit Requirements in Parlors
All branch circuits supplying 125-volt, 15 and 20 ampere
outlets shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

NEC 210.12 General Circuit Requirements in Libraries
All branch circuits supplying 125-volt, 15 and 20 ampere outlets shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

NEC 210.12 General Circuit Requirements in Dens
All branch circuits supplying 125-volt, 15 and 20 ampere
outlets shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

NEC 210.12 General Circuit Requirements in Bedrooms
All branch circuits supplying 125-volt, 15 and 20 ampere outlets shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

NEC 210.12 General Circuit Requirements in Sunrooms
All branch circuits supplying 125-volt, 15 and 20 ampere outlets shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

NEC 210.12 General Circuit Requirements in Recreation Rooms
All branch circuits supplying 125-volt, 15 and 20 ampere outlets shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

NEC 210.12 General Circuit Requirements in Closets
All branch circuits supplying 125-volt, 15 and 20 ampere outlets shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

NEC 210.12 General Circuit Requirements in Hallways
All branch circuits supplying 125-volt, 15 and 20 ampere outlets shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.

NOTE:
Always contact your local building authority for complete and up to date code information regarding specific code adoption in your specific area.