210.12(C) Dormitory Units.

AFCI protection is now required for 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.
Click to Enlarge
AFCI protection is now required for 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.

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.

Did You Like This? Let Us Know With A Like! Thanks!

210.12(C) Dormitory Units.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

One of the following does NOT require AFCI protection. Which of the following 120-volt, single phase, 15-amp branch circuits supplying outlets in dormitory unit does NOT require AFCI protection?

A: A branch circuit supplying closet lighting outlets.
B: A branch circuit supplying bedroom receptacles.
C: A branch circuit supplying hallway receptacles.
D: A branch circuit supplying a bathroom receptacle.
Please register or sign in for electrical continuing education courses.

If you were already signed in, your session probably expired, please sign back in.