Fire Station Dwelling Units

[globe trekker]

In a Fire Station with sleeping quarters, are the sleeping quarters required to have

arc fault circuit interrupt (AFCI) rated outlets? RE: Article 210.12(B), in the 2008

NEC? I am interpreting the fire station to be a Dwelling Unit, as defined in Article

100.

Thanks ya'll !

 

[480sparky]

If you're calling the area a DU, then yes.

 

[globe trekker]

480sparky,

Thanks for the input! According to the definition in Article 100,

wouldn't fire stations with sleeping quarters meet this definition,

and thus, require the AFCI protection?

Thanks again!

 

[codeworks]

is it "a single unit, providing complete and independant living facilities for one or more persons, including provisions for living, sleeping, cooking and sanitation", then yes, it does

 

[globe trekker]

codeworks,

Yes, it is a complete living unit. Just wanted to get some feedback

and an affirmation.

Thanks!

 

[Dennis]

Being a contrarian I would have to say I am not sure that it applies. Although the area in question meets the rules for dwelling per definition in article 100 the building is not a dwelling. We call it a fire station. Now are you going to require afci for all circuits in the fire station that meet the req. of 210.12?

I don't think it is necessarily a bad idea however the code has a specific section for guest suites and guest rooms that req. afci if it meets the definition of dwelling. I do not see anything that states multipurpose buildings that meet the definition of dwelling shall require AFCI. It is a fine point but I really don't think a fire station meets the intent of the code but I may be way off. You certainly wouldn't want all the safety things in the station to be on afci.

 

[AegisFPE]

Then as a DU complete with tamper-resistant receptacles, the firehouse can be the model home.

 

[Dennis]

So if the fire station is a dwelling unit then it can use 310.15(B)(6) and must also have all TR receptacles. Spacing of the outlets must also be based on dwelling code.

I think this is a gray area but I do not think this is the intent of the NEC. Perhaps AFCI can be required in the bedroom areas but I bet the fire station is the safest place to be in case of a fire.

 

[480sparky]

Only the rooms on the shopping list in 210.12 need AFCIs, as well as the receps listed in 210.52 would need TRs. The garage area, offices, etc. would not.

 

[Msradell]

Why is this being addressed under residential? The building obviously is not a residence, it's a commercial building and thus falls on a completely different category!

 

[Dennis]

Why is this being addressed under residential? The building obviously is not a residence, it's a commercial building and thus falls on a completely different category!

It is a mixed use building as part of it does qualify as a dwelling by definition- not a residence but a dwelling unit.