Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: kbsparky, Location: Delmarva, USA
Asked on: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 6:19 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:07 am EDT
Question: I have extensive experience hooking up mobile homes. Most of these are HUD certified, and have a metal nameplate affixed on the outside designating such.It has been my understanding that HUD homes may not necessarily have to comply with the latest NEC requirements. One example is the arc-fault circuit interrupter requirements contained in section 550.25(B).The NEC Handbook notes that this requirement does not supersede the current HUD 3280 requirements for factory-installed wiring in manufactured homes.Usually, when I hook up a mobile home, I am only dealing with the service pedestal and feeder cable connections. Today, I had an inspector require that AFCI circuit breakers be installed for the bedroom outlets.Now, I am caught between the manufacturer of the home who states that HUD trumps the NEC, and refuses to pay for any changes. The inspector is just as stubborn, holding up the job until those changes are made. I have not had a chance to talk with the chief inspector on this matter, and will point out the paragraph in the handbook mentioning the HUD 3280 requirements. I figure once that point is made, the job will pass ....Have you had any problems with this type of thing?
Yes, there can be conflicts between the NEC and HUD requirements for manufactured homes.HUD Requirements
HUD has its own set of requirements for the electrical systems of manufactured homes, known as HUD 3280. These requirements may differ from the latest NEC requirements, including the requirement for AFCIs.
NEC Requirements
The NEC is the generally accepted electrical code in the United States. NEC 550.25(B) requires AFCIs on all 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlet devices in dwelling unit bedrooms.
Relevance of NEC Handbook Note
The NEC Handbook note you mentioned states that the AFCI requirement does not supersede HUD 3280 requirements for factory-installed wiring in manufactured homes. This means that HUD-certified manufactured homes may not be required to have AFCIs installed at the factory.
Resolution
Confirm HUD Certification
Ensure that the mobile home is HUD-certified and that it has a HUD label affixed.
Review HUD 3280
Obtain a copy of HUD 3280 and review the specific requirements for AFCIs.
Discuss with Inspector
Explain to the inspector the conflict between HUD and NEC requirements and provide evidence of HUD certification.
Contact HUD
If the inspector remains unconvinced, consider contacting the HUD field office responsible for manufactured home inspections.
Consult Chief Inspector
Seek guidance from the chief inspector or the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). They may have a different interpretation of the requirements.
Important Considerations: The safety of the occupants should be the primary concern. While HUD requirements may exempt certain areas from AFCI protection, it may still be prudent to install AFCIs for enhanced safety. The ultimate decision on whether to install AFCIs rests with the AHJ. Flag for review