2014 NEC vs. 2008

[Innovate1]

The county here recently updated to the 2014 NEC. It was previously 2008. I had my permit application in before the change so I am told I fall under the old standard and that is what is listed in the notes on the approved plans. I am looking at what is different but one big change is a lot more GFI and AFCI requirements. I suppose I should just meet the new standard but am tempted to leave out the AFCIs where I can. $45 each adds up. I have a whole house and detached garage to wire.

Just wondering if I should do all the things to meet the later code...

 

[jim111]

If it is legal for you to use 2008 code, do so. You gain nothing using AFCI "protection"

 

[mike93lx]

If it is legal for you to use 2008 code, do so. You gain nothing using AFCI "protection"

Except arc fault protection. Its not hokey junk. If they are tripping, it's for a reason.

Just wish they weren't so expensive

 

[AntonLargiader]

Personally I think GFCI and AFCI are great. Dual-function breakers are about $40 more than standard breakers which are incredibly inexpensive (practically free). I'm adding more over time.

 

[strutaeng]

We had a bad storm yesterday and tree branch fell on alley power line. After it was restored one light circuit kept tripping immediately on reset. Looked around and didn't see anything abnormal.

Unplugged hot wire from AFCI breaker and reconnected and reset just fine. Lights works well again. The AFCI breaker does not trip when you press the "test" switch. I think it malfunctioned because of the outage. At $42 a pop, they are not pocket change.

If you can get by with the regular breakers, I'd recommend you do.

 

[AntonLargiader]

Which model breaker? If it doesn't trip on test, I'd doubt its ability to trip when it's supposed to. I would replace it.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

The county here recently updated to the 2014 NEC. It was previously 2008. I had my permit application in before the change so I am told I fall under the old standard and that is what is listed in the notes on the approved plans. I am looking at what is different but one big change is a lot more GFI and AFCI requirements. I suppose I should just meet the new standard but am tempted to leave out the AFCIs where I can. $45 each adds up. I have a whole house and detached garage to wire.

Just wondering if I should do all the things to meet the later code...

On the cost of a house I would go with the AFCIs. Whichever way you go, I would suggest making sure you have a panel with the plug on neutral bar. This allows you to use the AFCI breakers without a pigtail (which are a pain in the ****).

There are well discussed issues with having AFCIs or GFCIs on certain circuits (sump pumps, fridges, etc). The early breakers also seemed to have a lot of problems. I also expect that home inspectors a few years from now will be shoving the need for these to everyone.

 

[Terry D]

If you didn't bid for them, then why lose money. If they are not required on your permit, don't put them in. You just have to worry about every job from here on out. I'm also from St. Louis, I have the same thing going on.

 

[dcg9381]

I like the GFI protection for any area around water - that's my preference.
The only other reason I can think of is on resale. Not that you "can't" sell it, but it may flag out as being X year behind code. If you're not going to sell for a long time, don't worry about it.

 

[AntonLargiader]

I like the GFI protection for any area around water -

... or metal, or earth or concrete, or anywhere you might be holding something in the other hand that's grounded...

Other than cost, there's very little reason NOT to protect a circuit IMO.