New Ontario (Canada) electrical code and AFCI

[The Cobbler]

I was talking to a colleague today about wiring my garage that I built last year, he said I should pull the permit today because on May 5th new regulations regarding the use of Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters comes into play.
Virtually every circuit will be required to use an afci on permits pulled on or after May 5th of this year. He said the breakers are at least $50 more . 10 circuits likely in the shop so I saved $500 today.

Thinking tomorrow I should pull a permit for some basement wiring that I need/want to do .

You have 1 year from the date of the permit to finish , so it gives me some breathing room.

 

[MushCreek]

Breakers for mine were about $30 more, but I'm in the US. I've had some trouble with false trips- especially older power tools. I slipped in under the wire; they asked why I didn't have them throughout, and I pointed out when my permit was pulled, and they OK'd it. I had to have them in the living room and bedrooms.

 

[vekster]

I was under the impression that in Ontario AFCI only were to be used in bedrooms?

 

[reader2580]

The 2015 Ontario electric code going into effect on May 5th require AFCI on most 120 volt circuits in residences. This is similar to the 2014 NEC.

 

[tfi racing]

I was under the impression that in Ontario AFCI only were to be used in bedrooms?

2015 CEC requires AFCI protection for almost all receptacles in residential dwelling areas.However there can be some confusion if residential garages are considered a residential dwelling area,best bet is to ask your inspector.

 

[The Cobbler]

I wondered if the " detached" garage would be considered residence or not, but with the permit in hand , I don't have to worry about it at this point

 

[Pythong]

I need to pull my permit for my garage. Now i'm thinking i should do it today just to be safe but as reader2580 mentioned its for residential dwelling, which a garage is not...

Do you have any more information on this May 5th change, i been googling and can't find anything.

EDIT; Found a little info on page 3 @ https://www.esasafe.com/assets/files/esasafe/pdf/Plugged_In/ESA-PluggedIn-Winter2016-Web.pdf

EDIT 2: Looks like it pertains to dwellings only:

https://www.esasafe.com/assets/file...uits-for-Dwelling-Units-Arc-Fault-Jan2016.pdf

 

[The Cobbler]

I guess it's all up for interpretation , probably should call the ESA and ask for a ruling on it. My electrician wasn't sure but his understanding that anything on a residential property would be included .
if nothing else, it got me in gear LOL

all I found online was http://www.frasers.com/news/latest-edition-ontario-electrical-safety-code-available-1448480958169

 

[Pythong]

I found a write up on a Electrical Company's facebook page and asked them, they said "Not for detached garages. If the garage is attached, it's considered part of the "dwelling""

 

[The Cobbler]

good to know!

 

[Teken]

Its interesting Ontario doesn't indicate the garage should use a GFCI instead of a AFCI. I can't see a AFCI saving a persons life while working in a wet, damp, location. As far as I am aware there is only one model / brand that offers a dual use AFCI / GFCI outlet.

The rest on the market are indeed only a AFCI outlet . . .

 

[3rdgen]

I did the code update course a couple weeks ago. As of now everything in a dwelling or attached has to be arc fault except the fridge and sump pump. Also be careful because arc faults have to be combination for series and parallel arcs. We do mostly residential and service work and have had two builders call in the last month because their electricians no longer do residential or have closed up shop and gone to work for some one else because they dont want the head aches.