Switches and Outlets Falling Apart???

[MikeF2316]

I give bureaucrats the benefit of the doubt, assume they are doing their divided duties in maybe/probably not the most efficient way. But, at least trying and getting something done. What you call a bureaucrat, I call a Beetlecrat. The kind of beetles that crawl on dung.

I'm not saying your word isn't better, it is. But I couldn't find a single reference to Beetlcrat on Google, and only on for Beetlecrat. We need to start using the word more!

 

[checkthisout]

I see your point with 406.4(D)(4).
The 2014 NEC version has a direct conflict with the exception I referenced - 406.4(D)(4) vs. 210.12(B) exception.

The 2017 NEC article 406.4(D)(4) Exception #2 makes an exception to the exception noted in 210.12(B) (actually in (D) of 2017 version). Looks like their attempt to clean up that inconsistency.

So based on 2017 code, as I now read both articles together, you can extend the circuit conductors (all of 6') w/o requiring afci but changing a recept requires afci.

So once that is enforced locally, it surely kills the gravy jobs of changing out all devices during a remodel/home purchase.

It's goofy and not something I would worry about unless an inspector will be in your house for some other reason.

There is also the liability from future owners etc since the outlets would obviously have a date on them. That kinda **** scares me more than anything. A later occupants crappy lamp cord starts a fire. It is then found that the oulets were replaced by the last occupant who failed to upgrade to AFCI. You get sued. And I don't think I am being paranoid here.