Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: BMacky, Location: Foster City, CA
Asked on: Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 9:11 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:46 am EDT
Question: Has anyone had or have you personally interpreted, that the Jan 2011 NEC mandatory code changes for AFCIs apply when upgrading a an existing main service in a residential setting?I received a pre-inspection phone call from my inspector yesterday who asked, prior to his arrival, if I had installed Arc Fault breakers during the upgrade. I had not, and he advised I do so as they (City of South San Francisco) is requiring this for all new service upgrades. The inspector removed me from his schedule and stated I need to correct the issue prior to rescheduling.I had not done any changes to any circuits inside the home, no remodeling is taking place, just got rid of an old panel (FPE) that had been filling up with water over the years and was about rusted through on the bottom.Regardless, I am looking for the reference the inspector cited as coming from the CA Building Code, and waiting for the Building Official's response to my voice mail. Chime in if you've had any experience with this here in California.Thanks!
According to the 2011 NEC, AFCIs are required for all 15- and 20-amp branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling units, including additions and alterations. This requirement applies to both new construction and existing dwellings.The California Building Code (CBC) adopts the NEC by reference, which means that the NEC requirements for AFCIs are also applicable in California. The CBC does not have any specific requirements for AFCIs in service upgrades.However, some local jurisdictions in California have adopted amendments to the CBC that require AFCIs to be installed in all service upgrades. The City of South San Francisco is one such jurisdiction.If you are performing a service upgrade in the City of South San Francisco, you will need to install AFCIs on all 15- and 20-amp branch circuits. This is the case even if you are not making any changes to the circuits inside the home.You can find more information about the AFCI requirements in the City of South San Francisco's Building Code:[https://www.ssf.net/DocumentCenter/View/2969/Building-Residential-Commercial-Code?bidId=]I hope this information is helpful. Flag for review