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Monday, November 30, 2020

Question:

Hey Charlie,

Regarding the CQD for 9/17/2020, installing ACFI's in a panel change out situation could be a real problem due to unqualified hands mixing neutrals over the years. In my state, we are not required to install AFCI's when doing service upgrades.

Tom Ekstrom 

A

Answer:

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the comment on the question and response for September 17, 2020.

Question: When replacing a panelboard containing the service disconnecting means and integral overcurrent protection in a dwelling unit, is it required to provide arc-fault circuit-interruption protection for branch circuits listed in NFPA 2017 Article 210.12(A), if arc fault protection was not previously existing?

Answer: Hi Richard, The exception to Section 210.12(D) allows replacements, extensions, and modifications up to 6 feet without AFCI protection. You also might want to verify what the authority having jurisdiction will require regarding AFCI protection and whether it applies in your specific service panel upgrade scenario. Sometimes local electrical codes modify or amend the NEC minimums. Richard Sullivan.                                       

CQD Response to Ekstrom comment: Regarding the comment about unqualified persons installing wiring. Electrical wiring should be installed by qualified persons as defined in Article 100 of the NEC. Not sure if it is the right approach to develop local electrical Code amendments to delete minimum NEC requirements using the reasoning that unqualified persons mixed up the neutrals of such circuits. I'm sure that some of our subscribers will have a response to this approach. Thanks for the comment.

ABOUT CQD: The Code Question of the Day (CQD) is NECA and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine’s flagship National Electrical Code (NEC®) public forum for the industry, sponsored by EATON. The daily distribution of Q&A generates a lively dialogue and shares relative Code-based practical responses.

SUBMIT YOUR CODE QUESTION: Click here to submit a question to for inclusion in an upcoming edition of the Code Question of the Day, or email codequestion@necanet.org. 

CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

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