210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection.
AFCI Protection in the 2023 National Electrical Code: Key Changes and Insights
The evolution of electrical safety and prevention of arc-related fires have seen the introduction and consistent expansion of Arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) protection in the National Electrical Code (NEC). Starting its journey in 1999, the AFCI protection requirements have matured with every iteration of the NEC. The 2023 Code cycle has witnessed a rewrite of Section 210.12, ensuring clarity and better user experience.
2023 NEC - What has changed?
2020 NEC
Due to space constraints, we're unable to incorporate the complete content of this section. However, let's focus on the key highlights. In the 2020 NEC, the requirement stipulated that arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection devices needed to be easily reachable and set up in the subsequent manner:
Section 210.12(A), Dwelling Units: In dwelling units, AFCI protection was required using any of the means provided in 210.12(A)(1) through (6) for all 120-volt 15- and 20-amp branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in the following areas of a dwelling unit:
- Kitchens
- Family Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Parlors
- Libraries
- Dens
- Bedrooms
- Sunrooms
- Recreations Rooms
- Closets
- Hallways,
- Laundry Areas, and similar rooms or areas
Section 210.12(B), Dormitory Units: Using any of the means provided in 210.12(A)(1) through (6) AFCI protection was required for all 120-volt 15- and 20-amp branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in the following areas of a dormitory unit:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Hallway
- Closets
- Bathrooms and similar rooms
Section 210.12(C), Guest Rooms and Suites, and Patient Sleeping Rooms in Nursing Homes, etc.: Using any of the means provided in 210.12(A)(1) through (6) AFCI protection was required for all 120-volt 15- and 20-amp branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in guest rooms and suites of hotels and motels, and patient sleeping rooms in nursing homes and limited-care facilities.
Section 210.12(D), Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications: Where branch circuit wiring covered in 210.12(A), (B), or (C) of this Section was modified, replaced, or extended, AFCI protection was required.
2023 NEC
Unfortunately, the available space does not permit us to encompass the entirety of the modified text in this section from the 2023 NEC. Nevertheless, we will concentrate on the changes that carry the most significant impact.
In the 2023 NEC, arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection devices must still be installed in a readily accessible location, but the requirements specific to dwelling units and previously named in 210.12(A) Dwelling Units, have been relocated to 210.12(B), Dwelling Units, as follows:
Section 210.12(B), Dwelling Units: In dwelling units, AFCI protection is still required using one of the means provided in 210.12(A)(1) through (6) – however, the protection is now required for 10-amp branch circuits, in addition to the 15-, and 20-amp branch circuits already covered in the dwelling unit. This is new! Locations within the dwelling unit requiring AFCI protection have not changed in the 2023 NEC.
A new Exception No. 2 for dwelling units in the 2023 NEC declares that arc welder branch circuits will be exempt from AFCI requirements until January 1, 2025.
Section 210.12(C), Dormitory Units: New for the 2023 NEC, Dormitory Units, previously covered in 210.12(B) of the 2020 NEC, has been relocated to 210.12(C). Requirements remain the same, except here too, 10-amp branch circuits are now covered!
Section 210.12(D), Other Occupancies: New for the 2023 NEC, 210.12(D) has been retitled— Other Occupancies, and as it is with other parts of this Section 210.12(D) now applies to 10-amp branch circuits! This Section still requires AFCI protection for the 15- and 20-amp branch circuits previously described for the following original locations:
- Guest rooms and guest suites in hotels and motels
- Areas used exclusively as patient sleeping rooms in nursing homes, and limited-care facilities
However, Section 210.12(D) also requires AFCI protection for the following NEW locations:
- Areas designed for use exclusively as sleeping quarters in fire stations, police stations, ambulance stations, rescue stations, ranger stations, and similar locations.
Section 210.12(E), Branch Circuit Wiring, Extensions, Modifications, or Replacements: In the 2023 NEC, this Section title has been revised, but requirements ultimately remain the same, stating, where branch circuit wiring covered in Section 210.12(B), (C), or (D) of this Section is modified, replaced or extended, AFCI protection is required.
Sleeping quarters inside several new locations require arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection in the 2023 Code cycle.
The 2023 Code in Action
The continuous evolution and expansion of the AFCI protection requirements in the NEC underline the priority given to safety in our rapidly evolving electrical landscapes. The inclusion of 10-ampere branch circuits is a testament to the broadened horizon of protection, ensuring not just homes but also the sleeping quarters of our first responders are safeguarded against potential electrical arc-related fires.
As we move forward, professionals in the electrical domain should be vigilant about these changes, ensuring that their practices are not only compliant but also contribute to creating safer living and working spaces for everyone.