). (Article 210 - 12 b)
This requirement shall be applied as follows:
1.

New construction
2.

Alterations and additions to existing dwelling units where the scope of
the work creates new bedroom space.
3.

Alterations and additions which substantially alter the existing
bedroom(s) such that rewiring can be easily accomplished.
4.

Rewiring a dwelling to meet current code.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
For the AFCI device to function properly and provide the level of required safety, the
following installation guidelines shall be followed:
1.

The bedroom branch circuit(s) shall be run separately from all other
branch circuits. The raceways or cable assemblies shall not terminate
into any junction box, other than the panel board, where other circuit
conductors are located.
2.

The bedroom branch circuit conductors shall be permanently identified
at their point of entry into the panel board.
3.

The AFCI breaker shall be a listed and approved device installed in an
approved panel board in accordance with its listing.
4.

Other outlets within the dwelling unit may be connected to the AFCI
protected branch circuit; however, the same wiring methods as required
above for bedrooms shall be used. Page 2
INSPECTION
At the close-in or rough electrical inspection, the Building Inspector will verify the
location and wiring methods used for the bedroom branch circuit conductors. It is
necessary to trace each circuit to its termination point within each bedroom. After
insuring that each bedroom branch circuit is isolated from other circuit conductors and
that each bedroom receptacle will be AFCI protected, a notation will be made on the job
card and file copy of the permit stating such.
At the final inspection, if electrical power is provided, the Building Inspector will test the
function of the AFCI device utilizing the test button incorporated into it and the AS1000
Arc Fault Circuit Breaker Tester. The panel board should be visually checked to insure
that the bedroom branch circuits neutral conductor (the grey or white wire) is hooked
directly to the AFCI device and not connected in any way to the neutral buss in the
panel.
Voluntary AFCI Additions to Panel/Subpanel Change-outs Where Access to
Interior of Structure is Prohibited or Unavailable
For main service and/or change-outs where the bedroom branch circuit conductors
cannot be visually inspected, the person doing the work shall have a suitable continuity
checker or ohm meter available on site. After removing the neutral conductor
connecting the AFCI device to the neutral buss, the inspector shall verify that an open
circuit condition exists between the bedroom branch circuits and the neutral conductor
and the neutral buss bar. If an open circuit condition cannot be achieved at the panel,
the bedroom branch circuit conductors must be traced back to where they share a
common neutral conductor with some other branch circuit and then isolated. If the
bedroom branch circuit is part of a multi-wire branch circuit, an approved AFCI device
which protects both circuits may be installed.
Although AFCIs are not required for panel change-outs, they should be encouraged.
GLOSSARY
1.
Open circuit condition refers to no continuity between circuit conductors.
REFERENCES
2001 California Electrical Code, Article 210-12
Sonoma County Residential Construction Handbook, Section 17
E210.12
1996 Uniform Administrative Code Provisions for the NEC, Sec 102.2
S:\PLAN_CHECK\Technical Bulletins X-Pre2008 WP\AFCI_X.wpd
Effective Date: 11/1/02
Revised: