With the adoption of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (AFCI) protection is now required in more locations throughout the home. The following explains the types of AFCI protection allowed and the required locations around dwelling units. Show For new construction, Section 210.12 (A) of the National Electrical Code states that all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying all outlets must be Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter protected in the following dwelling unit locations: Kitchens, Family Rooms, Dining Rooms, Living Rooms, Parlors, Libraries, Dens, Bedrooms, Sunrooms, Recreation Rooms, Closets, Hallways, Laundry Areas, or Similar Rooms or Areas. Even though it is not listed, this includes finished basements because once the basement is finished, the area becomes one of the rooms listed above. Adding to the confusion, most people assume that outlets are only plugs or receptacles. However, outlets is defined in Article 100 of the National Electrical Code as “A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment”. That means that the requirements for AFCI protection is required in the areas stated above at all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-amp receptacles, lighting fixtures, switches, smoke alarms, dishwashers, refrigerators, and so on. To accomplish Arc-Failt protection, the National Electrical Code outlines that this can be achieved by using any of the following six (6) ways: 1) A combination AFCI breaker protecting the entire circuit at the panel, Where repairs or replacement is performed on a receptacle outlet, Section 406.4 (D)(4) in the National Electrical Code states that if the receptacle outlet is supplied by a branch circuit that requires Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter protection as specified elsewhere in this Code (areas of the house listed above), a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be protected by one of the following means:
It is clear that the requirements for Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter protection in the National Electrical Code are here to stay. As future versions of the NEC are published, it is most likely that more areas in the home will require AFCI protection as well. So even though the National Electrical Code requires AFCI protection in specific locations, you still may choose to use AFCI protection in other areas where it is not required by the NEC for added protection. If you have any questions regarding AFCI protection, please feel free to contact us or your local inspector for additional information. The latest version of the Australian and New Zealand Standard: Electrical Installations “Wiring Rules” (AS/NZS 3000:2018) has now been published, and will supersede AS/NZS 3000:2007. Updates to the Standard have been made to reflect new technologies, equipment, and installation techniques. This article explores some of the most significant changes presented in the standard, and how they will impact Australian electrical installations. Note: This article aims to summarise sections of AS/NZS 3000:2018. Installation, design, or construction works should be carried out referring to AS 3000:2018 in its entirety. 1. Clarification of requirements for alteration and repair of electrical installations (Clause 1.9.3)In addition to inclusion of ‘alteration’ and ‘repair’ in the definitions, further clarifications of what constitutes alterations and repairs have been provided in Clause 1.9.3 to aid electricians in understanding the distinction between the two and their associated requirements: Alterations: Alterations to electrical installations shall not cause any portion of the original electrical installation, or connected electrical equipment, to: (a) carry excessive currents or sustain excessive voltages; or (b) be used in any manner that is not in accordance with AS/NZS 3000:2018. Repairs: Repairs to existing electrical installations or their parts may be performed using methods, fixtures and fittings that were acceptable when that part of the electrical installation was originally installed or with methods, fixtures and fittings currently available as direct replacement, provided that the methods satisfy the fundamental safety principles of this Standard. 2. Clarification of mandatory RCD requirements for protected circuits, alterations and repairs |