Hello,

I am currently remodeling an older commercial building into a new home for my family and we're now in the electrical phase.

I have noticed through some Google searches where sometimes it says all 15 and 20 amp circuits except basements and wet areas need arc breakers. Others I see notably wikipedia says that their still only required in bedrooms...

Could you shed some light on this please...

Thank you!

From a previous similar question I answered:

AFCI must be used to protect all 120 volt outlets (the word "outlets" means all receptacles, lighting fixtures, and smoke detectors) located in, and I quote from the 2008 NEC:

"family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms, or areas".

GFI protection covers the remaining areas of a home, such as kitchens, bathrooms, unfinished basements, garages.

You need to supply us with a clearer description of what you intend to do with the wiring.

For the record though, here is the code reference you were questioning.

2008 NEC section:
210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection.
(A) Definition: Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)> A device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing characteristics unique to arching and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc-fault is detected.
(B) Dwelling Units
ALL 120 volt, single phase, 15 and 20 - ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type, installed to provide protection.

Which code you are subject to depends on where you are and when the project was started, counties or cities adopt the new codes some time after they come out. For example most of the ones around here started last oct or so on the '08 code.

If the permit was pulled after your local governance adopted the 2008 code, you will need the expanded coverage.

If your jurisdiction is on the '05 code still, or your permit was pulled before they adopted it it will be just bedrooms. Doublecheck the rules where you are but that's the rule at all the cities and counties Ive dealt with.

I believe they have to be combo arc-fault as well. There are other types and if you're sitting on a few hundred bucks worth of already installed breakers that won't pass inspection you've got problems...