National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Question:

I have two questions regarding arc requirements

(1). Can I replace an existing receptacle anywhere in that circuits run (keeping in mind the distance rules) or does it have to be the first receptacle from the distribution panel

(2). If remodeling a bath room and the wires for the lighting in the bedroom run through the bath that is being remodeled will arc fault protection be required

Thanks for your good work

Tim Mali

A

Answer:

Hey Tom thanks for your questions and you are welcome.

(1) If a receptacle is being replaced, with no extension or modification of the branch circuit, and it is in an area specified in 210.12(A) of (B) then AFCI protection needs to be provided as part of the replacement. A listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit interrupter receptacle can be used for the replacement as stated in 406.4(D)(4)(1).

(2) If the existing bedroom branch circuit is NOT extended or modified then AFCI protection is not required as stated in 210.12(D).

Providing AFCI protection, even if not required, can help reduce the likelihood of fires caused by electric arcs.

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