Originally Posted By: jmcginnis This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mike…
I gotta go with Jerry on this one… the article states “branch circuits that supply outlets in dwelling unit bedrooms” must have AFCI protection. If the outlet is for example a light on a deck outside the bedroom and the switch is located inside the bedroom then AFCI protection is not required since the outlet is not located in the bedroom. However, 9 times out of 10 the electrician will parallel off of the bedroom circuit to supply that one light and it will end up protected as a matter of wiring convenience. Eventually, when all circuits in a dwelling unit are required to have AFCI protection the question will be moot. IMHO
Originally Posted By: jmcginnis This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mike …
A receptacle is also a device because it doesn’t use any power but the difference is that a receptacle is also an “outlet” because it is a “point” on an electrical system where electricity can be taken to utilize equipment. A switch is a device but it is not a “point” on the system where electricity can be taken to utilize equipment, therefore a switch is not an outlet.
Originally Posted By: Mike Parks This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jack
You are correct.
My point is that both switches and recpts. are "in" outlets. This means that all switches, "outlets", lights and smokes on 15 or 20 amp circuits, in a bedroom, must be on an AFCI circuit.
Or you could just grind sand into your eyes now and save yourself 2 hours of reading.
Either way the result will be the same your eyes will hurt and you will wish you did not do it. 
Originally Posted By: jpeck This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mike Parks wrote:
My point is that both switches and recpts. are "in" outlets. This means that all switches, "outlets", lights and smokes on 15 or 20 amp circuits, in a bedroom, must be on an AFCI circuit.
Mike P.
No Mike.
ALL bedroom OUTLETS are required to be on AFCI protected circuits, not switches.
Switches are not "outlets".
Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.
Switch, General-Use. A switch intended for use in general distribution and branch circuits. It is rated in amperes, and it is capable of interrupting its rated current at its rated voltage.
Switch, General-Use Snap. A form of general-use switch constructed so that it can be installed in device boxes or on box covers, or otherwise used in conjunction with wiring systems recognized by this Code.
Notice that "Outlets" are "A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply ... "
You can have switched outlets and non-switched outlets, but all the switch is doing is controlling the "power on" and "power off" at the outlet.
I will try to remember to ask Mike about that when I am there in 3 weeks helping him make his new video on the 2005 NEC changes. There are 4 or 5 of us who are going to be helping with his new video.
Originally Posted By: Mike Parks This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jerry
What I am saying is: the 'box' is the outlet not the device (switch, recpt., smoke, etc.).
Examples:
Lighting outlet. An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lampholder, a luminaire (lighting fixture), or a pendant cord terminating in a lampholder.
Receptacle outlet. An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.
Remember the change from receptacles (1999) to outlets (2002) for AFCI's?
Originally Posted By: bbadger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mike the box for a switch is not an outlet.
Quote:
Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.
You might call a switch a point on the wiring system that supplies branch circuit conductors, but as there is often not a neutral at a switch it is hard to say it supplies anything.
IMO a switch is simply another point on the wiring system, it is no more an outlet than a junction box, cable or conduit.
-- Bob Badger
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Moderator at ECN
