Change Summary

• This section has been revised to require arc-fault circuit interrupters to be installed in readily
  accessible locations
• Subdivision (A) now recognizes arc-fault circuit interrupter protection requirements have been
  expanded to kitchens and laundry areas. This change also adds requirements for AFCI protection for devices in required area that supply or control outlets outside of these areas. An example would be a switch in the living room that controls an outside light.  This previously was not required to be protected.
• List items (1) through (6) provide the acceptable methods of accomplishing the branch circuit arc-fault protection requirements and associated conditions

Expert Analysis

Arc-fault circuit interrupters whether of the outlet device types or circuit breakers shall be installed in readily accessible locations. The reasons mirror the readily accessible requirements for ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) accepted in the 2011 NEC development process. Ready access is required for occupants and service personnel to test periodically as required by the manufacturer and to determine that a trip has occurred and initiate troubleshooting procedures prior to resetting. Proposal 2-82a sought to expand the AFCI protection requirements throughout the dwelling unit, but action on Proposals 2-80 and 2-82a continues to expand AFCI protection only incrementally to include kitchens and laundry areas in the 2014 edition. The rooms and areas where AFCI protection is required are intended to mirror the rooms and areas provided in 210.52(A). Subdivision (A) has also been revised by adding list items (1) through (6) that provide various methods of providing arc-fault circuit interrupter protection specified in this section.