B) No

C) No, but GFCI protected

D) None of the above

Answer:  A) Yes


210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-lnterruptcr Protection. Arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall be provided as required in 210.12( A). (B). (C), and (D). The arc-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in a readily accessible location.

(A) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single-phase, 13- and 20- ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by any of the means described in 210.12(A)(1) through (6)

To properly apply the code you must first look at the definitions-

DEFINITIONS:

Device. A unit of an electrical system, other than a conductor, that carries or controls electric energy as its principal function.

Dwelling Unit. A single unit, providing complete and independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation.

Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.

So using this example, a garage lighting branch circuit when the switch (device) controlling the lights is located in areas requiring AFCI protection it would then require AFCI protection.

The same would be true for an unfinished basement lighting branch circuit with a switch located in the living room at the head of the stairs leading to the unfinished basement or outdoor lighting branch circuit when the switches controlling the lights are located in areas requiring AFCI protection.

If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacturer requirements please let me know.

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