AFCI rules

[Pictonian]

The new (Ontario) code requires AFCI protection in "sleeping areas" and since I won't have (anywhere near) more than 12 outlets/lights in both my bedrooms combined, I reckon I can put both bedrooms on one such protected circuit.

Query 1: If I want to install a separate air conditioner circuit (one receptacle, possibly 20-amp), do I have to put a separate afci breaker on this one circuit? These things are expensive.

Query 1a: Is it really necessary to have the air conditioner on a separate circuit. The "large" bedroom, where the ac will go, is 10 x 16 with an 8-foot ceiling. (I haven't researched air conditioners yet).

Question 2: is there a reasonably-priced source for some of these new fancy breakers? An afci breaker costs $90 at my local Home Hardware, and about $75 at Home Depot (Stablok breakers).

Thanks for this forum. I figured out my gfci/kitchen requirements fairly quickly here.

[Homer]

You need to refer to Rule 26-722(f) for details on AFCI requirements in the sleeping areas of a dwelling. All plug outlets(receptacles) here must be AFCI protected.

It is true that a separate circuit for the air conditioner is not specifically required.

However, it would be inadvisable to have both bedrooms' outlets including the AC on one AFCI protected circuit.

You must also be careful of Rule 30-104(A) that states that luminaires must be on 15A circuits only, so you couldn't group the bedroom light fixtures with the duplex receptacles on a 20A circuit.

Also, the limit of 12 outlets includes the sum of both plug outlets(receptacles) and lighting outlets on the circuit.

I would suggest a 20A AFCI protected circuit for the Air Conditioner and a separate 15A AFCI protected circuit for all remaining bedroom luminaires and plug outlets(receptacles).

I guess you could always get away with powering the luminares from a non-AFCI circuit and using only 20A receptacles on a single AFCI circuit for everything. But what you save on the breaker you would spend on the 20A receptacles compared to the cheaper 15A receptacles. Remember that you can't put 15A rated receptacles on a 20A circuit in Canada (only in US).

I know the AFCI breakers are expensive but you really don't have much choice here and need to buy two if you want to avoid "trips" on those hot summer days. You should try to limit your "trips" to beer runs on such days.

Homer

[Ron]

As a side note, the USA code (NEC) requires ALL receptacles (all outlets too [lighting etc]) in a bedroom to be AFCI protected.

[Unregistered]

I'm glad that the NEC does not indicate to AFCI all "sleeping areas". I'd have to AFCI the receptacles next to the couch in the living room!

[Unregistered]

I would suggest a 20A AFCI protected circuit for the Air Conditioner and a separate 15A AFCI protected circuit for all remaining bedroom luminaires and plug outlets(receptacles).
This is pretty much what I had in mind, before I saw how expensive the arc-fault breakers were. We'll probably go with this option, which is the easiest to wire.
I guess you could always get away with powering the luminares from a non-AFCI circuit and using only 20A receptacles on a single AFCI circuit for everything. But what you save on the breaker you would spend on the 20A receptacles compared to the cheaper 15A receptacles. Remember that you can't put 15A rated receptacles on a 20A circuit in Canada (only in US).

It's an interesting option. All the upstairs lights (except the bathroom) go on one standard 15A circuit. As you point out, though, the more expensive t-slots and the way more expensive 20A AFCI breaker would probably make it a more expensive proposition altogether.

What exactly does the arc-fault protector protect against? Mr. Knight talks about "certain technical features" limiting the current flow; while I understand what he means, I don't know what appliances or equipment he's talking about.
Arcing and sparking, I understand.

Thanks very much for you input, it's very useful.

[Pictonian]

This is pretty much what I had in mind ...

That was me, sorry, I forgot to log in. :(

[Pictonian]

I'm glad that the NEC does not indicate to AFCI all "sleeping areas". I'd have to AFCI the receptacles next to the couch in the living room!
Which got me to thinking about the times I fall asleep over a couple-three beers at the kitchen table ... a whole new category: sleeping/eating areas, requiring AFGFCI breakers and split 60A liquid-proof vapour-barrier receptacles. "Yes, ma'am, we'd be happy to install such an outlet in your 150-year-old house; our quote is $8000 dollars, plus gst."

[Homer]

What exactly does the arc-fault protector protect against? Mr. Knight talks about "certain technical features" limiting the current flow; while I understand what he means, I don't know what appliances or equipment he's talking about.
Arcing and sparking, I understand.
As you say the AFCI protects against arcing on the circuit. Since the current flow may not be high enough to trip an ordinary breaker, the arc point will become very hot and a fire hazard.

A large number of fires are started by arcing in the bedroom. I believe that this happens because there is a good chance that plugs will be damaged by bedroom furniture. Many people have beds and heavy dressers directly in front of the receptacle. When the furniture is shifted, the plugs can be squeezed and damaged, especially those cheap lamp cord plugs. If arcing occurs where the cord enters the plug, and it's surrounded by bed covers, a fire is very likely to occur.

The Canadian code only mandates bedroom plug receptacles be AFCI protected while the NEC (USA) mandates all bedroom outlets(receptacles, luminaires, smoke detectors) be AFCI protected.

Homer

[Pictonian]

Just an update: I researched air conditioners and discovered that for the size of the rooms, I won't need more than 6000 btu. So with a highish-efficiency unit, I shouldn't ever draw more than 750 watts. I wired each bedroom separately, lights and outlets, 15 amp afci breaker on each circuit.

Thanks again for the input.