210.12(A) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Dwelling Units.
Code Change Summary: Revisions were made allowing 3 new methods to provide AFCI protection.
In the previous 2011 NEC®, AFCI protection could be provided using one of 3 options:
- Install a combination-type arc-fault circuit breaker at the panelboard to protect the branch circuit.
- Install RMC, IMC, EMT, Type MC, or steel armored Type AC cable from the panelboard to the first metal device box where an outlet branch circuit type AFCI device is installed which protects the remaining branch circuit downstream.
- Encase a listed metal or nonmetallic conduit or tubing in at least 2 in. of concrete between the panelboard and the first outlet box where an outlet branch circuit type AFCI device is installed which protects the remaining branch circuit downstream.
The above methods are still allowed but the 2014 NEC® has reworded this section and provided 3 additional options that can also be used. Two of the new methods from 210.12(A)(3) and 210.12(A)(4) listed below are not viable options since the circuit breakers mentioned in those sections do not yet exist.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).
2014 Code Language:
210.12(A)(2) A listed branch/feeder-type AFCI installed at the origin of the branch-circuit in combination with a listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit interrupter installed at the first outlet box on the branch circuit. The first outlet box in the branch circuit shall be marked to indicate that it is the first outlet of the circuit.
210.12(A)(3) A listed supplemental arc protection circuit breaker installed at the origin of the branch circuit in combination with a listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit interrupter installed at the first outlet box on the branch circuit where all of the following conditions are met: (See NEC)
210.12(A)(4) A listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit interrupter installed at the first outlet on the branch circuit in combination with a listed branch-circuit overcurrent protective device where all of the following conditions are met: (See NEC)