210.12(C) Dormitory Units.
Code Change Summary: A new subsection was added to require AFCI protection in Dormitory units.
AFCI protection is now required in dormitory units. If a potential hazard exists and protection against series and parallel arcing faults is needed in certain areas of a normal dwelling unit, then the same hazard exists in dormitory units.
Limited space in dormitories makes for situations where extension cords or power strips are often used to plug in a mini-fridge, microwave, toaster, blender, computer, TV and the like.
Requiring AFCI protection for dormitory units will help to reduce the number of fires caused by faulty or improper use of premises wiring systems.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).
2014 Code Language:
210.12(C) Dormitory Units. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dormitory unit bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, closets, and similar rooms shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter meeting the requirements of 210.12(A)(1) through (6) as appropriate.
