2020 NEC Question

[jar546]

Except for __________ all 120-volt, single phase, 15-and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling units shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type installed to protect the branch circuit.

1. bathrooms
2. bedrooms
3. kitchens
4. laundry rooms

 

[fatboy]

Off the top of my head, I would say 4. (Don't have a book handy)

 

[jar546]

Off the top of my head, I would say 4. (Don't have a book handy)

Of the top of my head, I would not agree with you.

 

[bill1952]

Bathrooms I think, but don't know why. (Are detached garages and exterior outlets still excepted? Problem of still being on amended 2017.)

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Don't have 2020 NEC but I would say bathrooms. I would like to know too.

 

[BN4537]

Bathrooms are not required to be arc-fault protected. I don't know why either.

At this point, garages, attics, and bathrooms are pretty much the only circuits that do not require arc-fault protection at this point. I wish they would change over to a list of places that don't require AFCI instead of the really long list that is basically everywhere in a house...

Or just say "AFCI protection is required for every circuit 20 amps and smaller in dwelling units". We all know that is where they are going, just get it over with already.

 

[Joe.B]

Bathrooms.

Don't know if it's true, but I heard it was because hair dryers would set off the old AFCI. Also heard it had to do with the damp environment. Anybody else heard similar, or some other explanation?

 

[steveray]

Bathrooms.

Don't know if it's true, but I heard it was because hair dryers would set off the old AFCI. Also heard it had to do with the damp environment. Anybody else heard similar, or some other explanation?

"Everything" sets off the AFCIs....From what I hear...

 

[e hilton]

Not in bathrooms … brings up memories of cartoons about electrical appliances falling into the tub …

 

[jar546]

"Everything" sets off the AFCIs....From what I hear...

Every single time I had to troubleshoot a persistently tripping AFCI I found a legitimate problem with the wiring causing the trip. They work perfectly fine.

 

[Paul Sweet]

When the NEC first started requiring GFIs many moons ago there were problems with appliances tripping them. That's why refrigerator and freezer outlets were exempt at first. A GFI couldn't tell the difference between internal current leakage and somebody getting shocked. Since then appliance manufacturers have gotten less sloppy with current leakage and it isn't a problem. Similarly, an AFCI can't tell the difference between internal sparking and arcing in the wiring. I suspect that manufacturers will gradually reduce internal sparking in appliances, but it will probably take some time before it isn't a problem any longer.