Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: CopperTone, Location: MetroWest, MA
Asked on: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 8:28 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:05 am EDT
Question: had an inspector tell me today that he wants arc fault breakers installed where required if we change out the main panel in a residential house. we are doing no other work in the house. old FPE panel coming out.210.12 doesn't say anything about if you change the panel or breaker you must install arc fault breakers - it only addresses changing or extending the existing branch circuit.Anyone else have a different opinion?
The inspector is likely basing their requirement on the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), which includes a new provision in Article 210.12(C) requiring arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) for all 15- and 20-amp branch circuits in dwelling units. This requirement applies to both new and existing dwellings, and to all branch circuits that are extended or replaced.However, there is an exception to this requirement in NEC 210.12(C)(3), which states that AFCIs are not required for "branch circuits that supply only the following: (3) Luminaires, appliances, or other loads of a continuous duty nature without an interrupting rating."Therefore, if the main panel is being replaced but no other work is being done in the house, and all of the branch circuits that are connected to the new panel are supplying only continuous duty loads without an interrupting rating, then AFCIs are not required.It is important to note that local codes may have more stringent requirements than the NEC, so it is always best to check with the local authority having jurisdiction before proceeding with any electrical work. Flag for review