Hi - I recently failed the final inspection of my attic renovation electrical for 2 reasons - needed more AFCI breakers & needed tamper proof outlets.

I took care of the tamper proof outlets, but my electrician and I are confused about which circuits get AFCI breakers.

The inspector told me I needed AFCI breakers for ALL circuits UNLESS they are GFCI protected. Therefore I installed AFCI breakers on all receptacle AND lighting circuits UNLESS they went to a GFCI outlet. On the GFCI circuits, I just have a regular breaker.

My electrician thinks that the GFCI circuits need a combination AFCI/GFCI breaker. I have no idea what this means for the outlet - does it then become a regular outlet instead of GFCI?

I know this all a result of new NEC changes.

Can someone set me straight on what I need?

 

It is going to depend on which code cycle is being enforced in your area. Many changes have taken place during the last few cycles.

I would hope it is not that hard for your electrician to find out the requirements since they are in the code book.

 

AFCI requirements are for the entire circuit and GFCI requirements are for the receptacle. Yes, you could use one of the new combination AFCI/GFCI breakers, but a combination (both series and parallel protection) AFCI breaker and GFCI receptacle is also acceptable in areas required to be protected by both. What code cycle are you on, it sounds like you must be on the 2014 cycle.

 

I'm seeing 2008 for the state on this chart: http://www.nema.org/Technical/FieldR...on-Map-PDF.pdf

 

The chart Ray has provided (revised November 2014) indicates New York is on the 2008 NEC. This is a good example of all codes being local. You should contact your building department and ask them what code cycle they are on and inspecting to because what your inspector has told you is well above the requirements in the 2008 NEC.

 

Trance, please clarify your location. Your IP indicates Rhode Island which is on 2014 NEC and matches your inspectors comments.

 

Blarg. So the 2014 NEC now requires AFCI on bathrooms?

 

What part of bathrooms? Receptacles or lighting?