The 2005 AFCI requirement applies to all 15A and 20A branch circuits in bedroom areas, not merely to receptacles.

By itself, the NEC is not a law or an enforceable regulation--it is an independent set of standards.

Notwithstanding those which are advisory, NEC standards become enforceable regulations (i.e., law) only when they are adopted by reference by a state law, county or municipal ordinance, or similar legislation.

Thus, there is no consistent "national system" that defines when NEC standards are adopted or who (e.g., what government agency) is responsible for interpretation and enforcement. It is a hodge-podge that varies between state and within state. (For instance, rural areas may be governed by one authority, and cities another.)

This is why electricians use the generic term "AJH" (authority having jurisdiction) instead of a parochial term like "state department of electrical inspections".

Some jurisdictions incorporate new versions of the NEC by statutory language which kicks in a new version of the NEC automatically (e.g., within 6 months of effective date). Others adopt a new version when they get around to adopting it. (That's one reason why, at any point in time, a jurisdiction may be operating at an older code level than another jurisdiction.) Still others, adopt most of the code but write their own "code overrides". Occasionally, an override may adopt a standard in principle, but allow more time for phase-in.

So, I'm afraid that the answer to your question depends on where you live, how your jurisdiction incorporates the code into law and, sigh, when they do it.

Sorry I can't be more precise.

Keep in mind that, with rare exceptions, new code versions "grandfather" work already done. Typically, existing dwellings are not required to be brought up to code every time the code is changed.

AHJ, not AJH.

terribletom said it well. While OSHA is not applicable to completed individual dwellings, OSHA incorporates the NEC by reference. So a workplace that is subject to OSHA might well have to upgrade per the latest NEC. Do you suppose that China does the same thing? Rhetorical Question!

Black and white text of of NEC 210.12B states that "all 120V, single phase 15-and 20-amp branch circuits supplying outlets in dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by a listed AFCI..." NEC 100 defines an outlet as "a point at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment," i.e. a receptacle outlet or a lighting outlet. So, yes, the 2005 NEC does require bedroom lighting to be AFCI protected. As for whether it is required where you live by your AHJ, well.....

our county follows the NEC, but with a few exceptions. i can say for sure that we are NOT required to have AFCI on our bedrooms...

Well that kinda stinks! I will take your advise and call the city electrical inspector with this question. I only asked about the 2008 NEC because I heard that it says that all circuits must be AFCI (not just bedrooms as the 2005 NEC states!!!)

I'm wiring a dormer that has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1 recreation room. If I only had to put AFCI on the receptacles it would save me considerable panel space.

I'm using a Siemens subpanel with an 8/16 breaker space. if all have to be AFCI'd then I can't uses the doubles and getting more space out of my panel!

It's even likely that I'd have to go with an even bigger panel so that I can run everything that I need.

Oh well, I guess only the city inspector can tell me what to do now...

Thanks for your help.

Shade

It's even likely that I'd have to go with an even bigger panel so that I can run everything that I need.

If there's good news here, it's that a larger subpanel shouldn't be that expensive, unless you're really cramped for physical space or you've already run a feeder that's too small. And with NEC '08 looming, it isn't the best of times to buy a small suitcase and pack it to the brim, if you catch my drift.

The fact is, a larger panel (say, 20 full slots) would probably cost about the same--or less--than 2 combination type AFCI breakers! That's where a lot of the money goes--those suckers are almost 10 times as expensive as regular breakers. (Groan.) When it comes to home wiring, the price of poker is on its way up--big time!

Adding to my reply above:

Part of the confusion about what bedroom coverage is required may have to do with code history. Without taking the time to verify the language exactly, here's my recollection of the story: I believe it was the 1999 code which introduced the AFCI-in-bedrooms issue and it used the word "receptacle". The 2002 code broadened the definition to "outlet". (And blackadder is 100% correct in noting that "outlet" means lighting fixtures too.) This led to confusing debates over whether protection had to be at the circuit level, or whether individual AFCI receptacles could be used. That confusion was removed by the 2005 definition that clearly specified circuits. (And, again, I should also acknowledge blackadder for noting that it is circuits with outlets in bedrooms!)

Since "outlets" includes smoke detectors, there's another thing you might want to run by your inspector before you complete your wiring. Some jurisdictions enforce local fire codes (not electrical codes!) that require hard-wired smoke detectors on dedicated circuits. Other local jurisdictions require that smoke detectors NOT be put on dedicated circuits. (The argument is that it is more likely to be noticed if the circuit is out of order when there are other loads.) GO FIGURE! It is possible, even if unlikely, that in your jurisdiction, interlinked smoke alarms will need an additional circuit. That's the kind of thing that can really louse you up if you have a box already stuffed to the gills.

Also, the kick-in date for extended AFCI coverage to all living spaces (not just bedrooms) of Jan. 1, 2008, is actually given in the 2005 NEC! That means that it is possible that in your jurisdictionm next New Years Day is indeed a deadline that will kick in automatically by operation of law even if your jurisdiction has not yet adopted to the new code in its entirely. Hope your head isn't spinning by now.

The bottom line? Yeah, consult with your AHJ. Definitely.

radioguy: Are you sure that a new bedroom circuit in your area doesn't require AFCI protection? If you're right about that, it is not the typical case at all. I'm not doubting your probity but, frankly, I'm skeptical.

Tom,

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I do think I will be getting a larger panel... After thinking about it all day, I think it is inevitable at this point.

I shouuld have the space for the larger panel since it is in the utility closet centrally located upstairs. As I said in my previous post, this is for a brand-new second floor added in the summer of this year.

If the panel with 20 circuits can fit in a standard 2x4 wall cavity, I should be ok. As far as service goes, this subpanel is fed off a 50amp breaker in the main using 6/4 copper SER cable, so I should have enough to supply up to 20 circuits (no appliances on this panel!)

I'll post a reply when I hear back from my AHJ.

Shade

Shade,
Seems like you can combine several circuits on one AFCI
(excluding Smokes and Baths) so why the need for so many slots?

Regards
Chris

our county JUST adopted a set of codes a couple months ago. the county goes by the 2005 NEC, but the largest city just updated to 2003 last week and is effective Jan 1! the county codes do not over ride the incorporated cities' codes, so you can possibly have 2 jobs side by side that use entirely different codes!

check with the AHJ.

I understand that one D&K. I've got both the 2005 and 2003 codes on my desk as I'm dealing with houses in jurisdictions with those respective codes.