[loupi01]

I know that bedroom circuits need to be on an arc fault breaker. If I have a light switch in a bedroom that operates a light outside the bedroom such as an exterior light, does that switch also need to be on an arc fault breaker?

Thanks

[tkrussell]

The switch does not use power but controls it, since the switch controls the bedroom light, and the light needs to be on the ArcFault, then the switch will be also.

[omzig]

Actually I think tkrussell misread and missed the fact that the light was outside of the bedroom. As long as there are no other bedroom outlets on the same circuit that this light is on, it would not require AFCI protection, even if there is a switch controlling the light in a bedroom.

The NEC defines an "outlet" as being "A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment." In other words, this would include receptacles, lights, ceiling fans, heaters, etc.

[loupi01]

Thank you,
So just to be clear...
If I have a light switch in a bedroom that is for a light that is outside of the bedroom (backyard light) and the circuit is not coming from the bedroom but from another source such as a general lighting circuit, then that light switch does not require to be on an arc fault circuit.
I understand the definition of an outlet.

Really appreciate the help.

[tkrussell]

Lou you were very clear, my eyes and brain was fuzzy, omzig read much more carefully, and is correct, the switch, even though located in the bedroom, does not need any AFCI protection, only the wiring for those outlets in the bedroom

For now, the entire circuit, from the panel, all the way to the bedroom, needs protection. Sometime in the future, possibly in the 2008 code edition,once a AFCI receptacle device,similar to a GFI outlet, is invented, and approved by UL, the branch circuit feeding the bedroom will not need to be protected.

You had a good question, sorry for misunderstanding at first, I need to drink my coffee first before trying to answer.