210.12 AFCI protection
What changed in 210.12
AFCI now reaches patient sleeping rooms in limited-care facilities and nursing homes, and the rules for extending or modifying circuits were updated.
Point by point
- Patient sleeping rooms in limited-care facilities and nursing homes now need AFCI protection, like hotel and motel guest rooms and suites.
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- 4 more points on exactly what changed
- The 2017 rule next to the 2020 rule, side by side
- Why it changed
- What to do and check on the job
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This section across NEC® editions
2020 NEC®RevisedYou're here
AFCI now reaches patient sleeping rooms in limited-care facilities and nursing homes, and the rules for extending or modifying circuits were updated.
2023 NEC®Revised
Reworded, 10-amp circuits are addressed, and new locations were added.
Open the 2023 page →2026 NEC®Revised
The arc welder exception to dwelling AFCI no longer expires, and it now also covers welder circuits in garages and accessory buildings.
Open the 2026 page →More 2020 changes in Article 210
This is a plain-English summary, not the NEC®'s exact wording. Always check the full section in the NEC® edition your area has adopted, plus any local amendments.
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