AFCI

[ICE]

The California Electric Code 210.12(A) requires AFCI protection for 15/20 amp branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in the following areas: dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, or similar rooms or areas.

Note that a garage is not included. During a recent training session that was provided by the CALBO (California Building Officials) the instructor stated that if the laundry equipment is located within the garage, AFCI is not required as that does not qualify as a "laundry area".

Your thoughts?

Another question has to do with attics. If there is a furnace located in an attic or there is a permanent access such as a stair is AFCI protection required?

 

[Glenn]

Laundry equipment requires features of the built environment (water, exhaust, power). When these are provided they create an area specifically intended for laundry... a "laundry area". Where ever you place this area and what ever you call that place matters not. What matters is that the built environment is constructed in a manner that invites a specific occupant behavior and related hazards. I disagree with this instructor.

as for the attic, no, a furnace does not drive the need for AFCI. If there were a compliant stairway to the attic, that would suggest a habitable attic and that would suggest an increase in probable frequency of occupancy and would then drive AFCI.

 

[jar546]

The California Electric Code 210.12(A) requires AFCI protection for 15/20 amp branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in the following areas: dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, or similar rooms or areas.

Note that a garage is not included. During a recent training session that was provided by the CALBO (California Building Officials) the instructor stated that if the laundry equipment is located within the garage, AFCI is not required as that does not qualify as a "laundry area".

Your thoughts?

Another question has to do with attics. If there is a furnace located in an attic or there is a permanent access such as a stair is AFCI protection required?

A laundry circuit is one of the required circuits and specifically required to be AFCI protected. Not sure what the trainer was thinking.