AFCI Requirements under the 2014/2017 NEC

[jar546]

How do you handle these situation?

A kitchen remodel with all new cabinets-countertops, flooring, ceiling, lighting, appliances, etc. Not all walls are gutted but most are.

The new installation includes all new receptacles, some new boxes with the new layout as receptacles were moved, recessed LED lighting with dimmer controls and replacing the existing receptacles in the walls that were not gutted so they match the rest of the new installation.

The panelboard is an old FPE or Bryant or Zinsco that does not have the ability to add AFCI or GFCI protection of the branch circuit as required.

How do you enforce the requirements of NEC 210.12(A) in this case?

 

[LCBob]

The requirements of 210.12(A) are not enforceable in this case.
I don't believe the AFCI protection requirement of "family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries.." are triggered by a 'kitchen remodel permit'.

However, I would enforce 210.12(B), Extensions and Modifications and 406.4(D), Receptacle Replacement.

 

[mark handler]

Many have been adding a sub panel that is accommodating...

 

[jar546]

The requirements of 210.12(A) are not enforceable in this case.
I don't believe the AFCI protection requirement of "family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries.." are triggered by a 'kitchen remodel permit'.

However, I would enforce 210.12(B), Extensions and Modifications and 406.4(D), Receptacle Replacement.

I agree that this work would not trigger the requirements for other parts of the dwelling that were not affected by construction. 210.12(B), however certainly applies to the areas affected by the renovation. In the case of the panelboard, the type of wiring may help in this situation but it is rare unless you are in a condo with MC, AC cable or EMT, IMC or RMC. A panel replacement or adding a sub next to the main is often the best choice to protect the "branch circuit" if a panel change would be more expensive due to its location and how it is wired such as EMT from top and bottom.

 

[steveray]

I would not enforce the NEC at all....I would use our common sense amendment to the IRC....

(Amd) E3902.17 Arc-fault circuit interrupter protection for branch circuit extensions or
modifications. Where branch-circuit wiring is modified, replaced, or extended in any of the areas
specified in Section E3902.12, the branch circuit shall be protected by one of the following:
1. A combination-type AFCI located at the origin of the branch circuit.
2. An outlet branch-circuit type AFCI located at the first receptacle outlet of the existing
branch circuit.
Exceptions:
1. AFCI protection shall not be required for replacement receptacles.
2. AFCI protection shall not be required where an extension of the existing conductors is not
more than 6 feet (1.8 m) in length and does not include any additional outlets or devices.

 

[Builder Bob]

"SUB PANEL"