ark fault bkrs

[Unregistered]

Are ark fault bkrs required on lighting ckts in bedrooms also? I know it is required on receptical circuits. If so how about a smoke alarm that is in a bedroom does that mean the whole smoke alarm ckt has to be on arc fault bkr?

[Speedy Petey]

On new installations according to the 2002 NEC arc fault breakers are requiredon all bed room "outlets". This includes lighting and smokes.
If the smokes are wired together as they should be then the whole circuit inherently needs AFCI protection.
1999 code was just receptacles.

What code is your area following. My area is following 1999. :confused:


Edit: Sorry, yes 15 and 20 amp 125v outles. I left that part out. A 220v a/c does not apply.

[Perion]

The 2002 NEC does require that ALL 125 volt, single phase, 15 and 20 amp branch circuits serving OUTLETS in any bedroom must be protected by arc fault breakers. Everyone I've asked about the smoke detector issue interpret the use of the term "outlets" to mean not only receptacles and lighting outlets but also, odd as it first may seem, even smoke detectors - there are no exceptions (yet) listed.

Regards,
Perion

[Wgoodrich]

The previous replies are correct quoting the NEC 2002 and 99. However this arc fault breaker subject has been very controversial in nature. Now they are being better accepted yet local rules in many places have revised this Arc fault breaker rule to their own taste and concerns. Best check local ammendments to this rule.

Good Luck

Wg