NEC 210.52 Questions from homeowner

First off - Let me start out by saying that I am a homeowner living in a state that permits the work of my own home. I have pulled a permit and plan on playing by all of the rules.

I've recently done quite a bit of electrical enhancements. The previous owners must not have ever had an inspection done. There was no sticker on the box, and the house was on about 10 circuits, at the most. Most of them included lights/receptacles together and quite a few things that are non-code. My plan is to bring the house up to code. The previous outlets did not have any ground wiring to them. I've gone through and basically ran all new wire, added about 20 circuits, put in new light fixtures, receptacles, switches, etc.

I realize that my local city/state may be the only ones to answer this, since it is possible that they did not adopt these NEC rules, but wanted to get an idea from previous experienced folks.

1) Do I need to put in AFCI breakers for all living areas? I have about 7 circuits for lights and receptacles that would quality for these areas. Before I go out and spend $45 a pop, I'd like to know if the inspector will require this since I did not add any outlets, only replaced existing wiring/outlets, etc.

2) Since the home was built in '48, the spacing of the receptacles is further than 6' in the bedrooms and main dining room. Will I be reacquired to add receptacles to meet code? Or is there a way to be Grandfathered in due to the age of the house? I'm guessing part of it will also depend on the judgement of the inspector.

Thanks for any opinions!

Gary

 

Whether you need the AFCI protection is going to depend on which code cycle your area has adopted.

Receptacle spacing is commonly within 6' of a door or opening into the room and then no more than 12' thereafter. Some areas also have a rehab code that may not require you to install to the current standards.

Both these questions are best answered by your local building officials. If you can supply the code cycle we can answer about the AFCI's unless there is a local amendment.

 

The actual requirement is that no cord-and-plug appliance such as a lamp will be further that 6' from a receptacle. Thus the 12' rule of thumb for the distance between the receptacles themselves, which PCboss noted.