The 2008 NEC has significantly expanded the requirements for arc-fault circuit interrupters in new homes.
"All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun rooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit."
This means Arc-Fault Circuit Interruption (AFCI) Protection will be required for all 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20 ampere branch circuits installed in most areas of a new home. The requirements which now apply only to bedrooms have been extended to every habitable area of the house in 2008 including family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun rooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways or similar rooms or areas. AFCIs will not be required in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, unfinished basements, garages, and attics.
Cost estimates for this proposed change have varied widely.
Supporters of this change report the National Electrical Manufacturers Association research in August 2007 of hardware stores and home centers found AFCIs priced from roughly $30 to $35, with standard circuit breakers priced between $2 and $4.1 Assuming the high-end price of $35, the cost differential between AFCIs and standard breakers is approximately $31 to $33, which means installing 12 AFCIs in an average home will increase the cost $372 to $396.
Some of our members have reported their electricians have told them total costs, including installation, will run around an additional $2,000 per home over the current requirements.
Once again we need hard written quotes, this time from electricians on the cost of installing combination AFCIs to meet these requirements. We also need to know what the cost would be on the homes without the ACFI requirement.
If you are concerned about this new requirement, please get a written quote on one or more of your homes and send it to me ASAP either by email to: Schwartz.Lee@mahb.com or by snail mail to Lee Schwartz, MAHB, 6427 Centurion Drive, #150B, Lansing, Mi 48917.
First Class Closets of Traverse City is sponsoring a "Messy Closet Contest." The winner will receive a free $1000 closet makeover. Pick up an entry form from the First Class Closets' booth at the Home Builders Association of Grand Traverse Area Home EXPO at East Middle School on February 27 and 28 (
