Electrician Breaker question

[PickettSFHunter]

My electrical panels are ready to get started finishing out. What I am being told is that code no longer allows for the 20 amp breakers like are in most homes that cost like $7. That i will have to have 20 amp dual purpose afci/gfci breakers at like $60 each 😯 for every breaker (about 25 of them) This seems to be the case but just wanted to ask here. Of course everything just has to be insanely expensive instead of going for $7 ones like every house I’ve ever been in 😂

 

[Specializedjon]

Your local codes will trump everything I say, but...20 amp GFCI are only required near a water source (sinks, etc.). I've never heard of dual purpose 20 amps being required for all the breakers. You can also reference the NEC (National Electrical Code) to get more information on residential applications. MOST jurisdictions adhere to the national code. I've build several hundred panels in my day and I've never used GFCI's unless the load side (receptacle) was near sinks, pools, outdoor BBQ's, etc.

 

[DMD]

Your local codes will trump everything I say, but...20 amp GFCI are only required near a water source (sinks, etc.). I've never heard of dual purpose 20 amps being required for all the breakers. You can also reference the NEC (National Electrical Code) to get more information on residential applications. MOST jurisdictions adhere to the national code. I've build several hundred panels in my day and I've never used GFCI's unless the load side (receptacle) was near sinks, pools, outdoor BBQ's, etc.

I'm not an electrician, but that's all I've ever known. Only near a water source.

 

[gasman]

I believe if my memory serves me correctly, you will need arc fault breakers in bedrooms. All other convenience outlets can use the standard breaker.

***disclaimer*** I keep my electrical license active, but have not done very much electrical work in over 20 years.

 

[Crappieaddict]

My electrical panels are ready to get started finishing out. What I am being told is that code no longer allows for the 20 amp breakers like are in most homes that cost like $7. That i will have to have 20 amp dual purpose afci/gfci breakers at like $60 each 😯 for every breaker (about 25 of them) This seems to be the case but just wanted to ask here. Of course everything just has to be insanely expensive instead of going for $7 ones like every house I’ve ever been in 😂

Our cabin was finished about two years ago, and we were told that this in now required to pass inspection.

 

[WTM]

thats what the NEC was changed to but tennessee was amended in 2018 to include only bedrooms.

you need to call your local inspector and see what his requirement is as he has authority in the NEC to make changes.

 

[Specializedjon]

Commercial receptacles are now required by code to be "upside down" (ground at the top). Why you ask? So if a picture falls off a wall or something hits the cord that's plugged into the receptacle, it will break ground first.

Geniuses running the show. Ugh.

 

[WTM]

if it were me id use them. i will probably be changing mine out before too long.

 

[ImThere]

thats what the NEC was changed to but tennessee was amended in 2018 to include only bedrooms.

you need to call your local inspector and see what his requirement is as he has authority in the NEC to make changes.

This

 

[Specializedjon]

thats what the NEC was changed to but tennessee was amended in 2018 to include only bedrooms.

you need to call your local inspector and see what his requirement is as he has authority in the NEC to make changes.

Have a $50 bill in the palm of your hand when you shake his hand. Works wonders 😂

 

[backyardtndeer]

I cannot speak to current code, but I can tell you that you can look up the current codes online. I bought a book on 2009 nec when I built my house. At that time arc faults were required for ALL living spaces and ground faults for all potential wet spaces. The amperage of the receptacle being 20 amps is irrelevant, if it is in a living space. Kitchen required 2 separate ground fault circuits. I wired a dedicated 20 amp line to the fridge that was not Gfci.

 

[ImThere]

My electrical panels are ready to get started finishing out. What I am being told is that code no longer allows for the 20 amp breakers like are in most homes that cost like $7. That i will have to have 20 amp dual purpose afci/gfci breakers at like $60 each 😯 for every breaker (about 25 of them) This seems to be the case but just wanted to ask here. Of course everything just has to be insanely expensive instead of going for $7 ones like every house I’ve ever been in 😂

Btw when we were going to replace the electrical panel in our other home, we were told exact same thing you were

 

[Madbowh]

Call your electrical inspector and ask for a consultation appointment, they'll gladly do it and answer any questions you have and tell you what they will pass.

This is code in most places now, I'm a fan of running 20 amp 12 ga wire. But you also should consider what you'll actually be pulling. In a bedroom 15amp is fine. Bathroom you'll probably want the 20amp kitchens for sure.

Possibly living room depending on what your using tv, couple game systems, cable box, surround sound(really depends on this one) my surround with sub is only 100w.

 

[DaveTN]

Local codes come into play. When I needed some electrical work done I leaned that not only am I required to use an electrician licensed by the state of Tennessee, but one that is also licensed by the city of Murfreesboro.

 

[backyardtndeer]

you need to call your local inspector and see what his requirement is as he has authority in the NEC to make changes.

Yep, this. The electrical inspector when I was doing mine was great. He told me what I needed to pass. I did ask him though.

 

[Gronkmonster]

We have a new home and all are arc with the exception of AC, water heater in garage, GFI breakers

 

[Madbowh]

If your set on using 12ga/20amp breakers go buy them yourself tell your electrician to install after inspection is done swap them out yourself for regular 20amp breakers and return them. Many many houses just have regular 20amp breakers.

 

[WTM]

Have a $50 bill in the palm of your hand when you shake his hand. Works wonders 😂

yeah back when bennie akers was our local inspector i imagine a lot of that went on. but then again several houses burned because of improperly wired door bell transformers of all things.

when billy replaced him all of that went away and billy was flunking wuite a few.

 

[Snake]

If your set on using 12ga/20amp breakers go buy them yourself tell your electrician to install after inspection is done swap them out yourself for regular 20amp breakers and return them. Many many houses just have regular 20amp breakers.

This ^^^ uh keep receipts though 😂

 

[jlanecr500]

I built one of our houses in 2010 and most 20a breakers are either afci or gfci. I didn't have to but that little investment can be the only thing that prevents a fire. As seen on this site, outlets fail and afci's will detect the arcing and open up.

In my current build/ remodel, all 20a breakers will be dual function afci/gfci breakers. I use only seimens panels and their new ones have plug on neutral bars. I bought the breakers for $30 each. You just have to look for deals. The only 15a breaker will be for the smoke alarm system.

I never use gfci outlets after seeing what can happen to them.

Electrical is one thing not to cheap out on.