News & Events - Major Industry Change for All Electrical Contractors

December 14, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


PROVIDENCE – December 11, 2007 – In an effort to increase the level of electrical protection in new homes, the latest editions of the National Electric Code (NEC) call for some major changes throughout the residential electrical industry.

Effective January 1, 2008, the NEC will require Combination Type Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) in place of the current Branch Type AFCI. Electrical contractors and those in the residential electrical industry need to be aware of the following changes:

  • Effective January 1, 2008, the 2005 National Electrical Code requires Combination Type AFCI on bedroom circuits, replacing the Branch Type AFCI.

  • The 2008 National Electric Code expands the Combination Type AFCI requirement beyond bedroom circuits to include additional circuits in the home, (i.e. family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, hallways, libraries, dens, sun rooms, recreation rooms, and similar rooms.

The new Combination Type AFCI costs approximately 30% more than the traditional AFCI breakers, substantially affecting the cost of electrical contractors’ residential jobs. This increase in price, combined with the expanded areas AFCI’s will be required to cover, will add hundreds of dollars to the materials electrical contractors typically purchase to wire a home.

“I feel it is very important our customers are aware of the new code changes and how they will affect them financially. Many times cost increases due to code changes are overlooked until it is too late and our customers end up losing money on their projects," said Bill Donahue, President of Crown Supply.

Based on NEMA reported data, the following states will have requirements for the Combination Type AFCI in 2008:

 Alabama  Georgia  Minnesota  Oklahoma  Vermont  
 Alaska  Hawaii  Mississippi  Oregon  Washington
 Arizona  Idaho  Montana  Rhode Island  West Virginia
 Arkansas  Iowa  New Hampshire  South Carolina  Wisconsin
 California   Kansas  Nevada  South Dakota  Wyoming
 Colorado  Kentucky  North Carolina  Tennessee  
 Connecticut  Maine  North Dakota   Texas  
 Delaware  Massachusetts  Ohio  Utah  


Existing Branch Type AFCIs will continue to be offered for those markets that have not adopted the Combination Type AFCI requirements per the 2005 and 2008 Editions of the NEC. Please review your local requirements with the applicable enforcement agency.

Click here to visit the NEMA Web site: http://afcisafety.org/

About Crown Supply Co. Inc.
At Crown Supply, we have been serving contractors’ and home owners’ lighting and electrical needs for over 60 years. Crown Supply continues to strive towards providing our customers with quality lines that enhance their profitability and assist them in meeting ever-changing business demands. Our current service offerings have expanded to include fire alarm system design and a lighting showroom for the general public.


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