New Residential Requirements for 2011

Here we are at the end of March already and we have some new requirements to make you aware of for 2011…

Check back soon for more information on new requirements for:

• Smoke & Carbon Detector requirements – July 1st 2011 - Click for more info (.pdf)
• Tamper Resistant Receptacle requirements – NEC 406.11 or Click for NFPA TR Fact Sheet (.pdf)
• expanded arc-fault requirements
• Weather resistant receptacle & gfci requirements – NEC 406.8 or Click for Leviton Brochure on WR Devices

…and probably a few other I forgot at the moment…

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As of writing this article the (03/29) We have only heard notice these new codes are to be implemented on plans approved as of Jan. 2011 in most of our local cities. You should be aware because all of these are not only going to complicate and confuse some of the newer jobs this year, it will also add significant cost(s).

TR – Tamper Resistant, This is a required marking on all receptacles (yes including GFCI and the eventual AFCI outlet) complying with NEC 406.11 ~ Which basically says that all dwellings are required to have them on 15 & 20amp receptacles. Our initial quotes on the most common 15amp outlets are only slightly more expensive. 20amp saw a more significant increase.

WR or TWR – Weather or Tamper and Weather Resistant. Basically as above, for all exterior locations 15 & 20amp (all exterior not just Dwelling as above). As applied to Dwellings it should be both Tamper and Weather for exterior Receptacles. Cost increase is slightly more on 15a and 20a saw even greater increase. ~ Don’t forget along with this you are still required an ‘in-use’ or ‘bubble’ cover on all exterior 15 & 20amp outlets.

CO – Carbon Monoxide Detector.  As of July, this are said to be required in specific locations in ALL dwellings. Though you will see them as stand alone sensors, most will be a combo smoke and Carbon sensor. These units are about 3x what a typical smoke only sensor costs, so you should account carefully in your future bids.  Battery operated units are said to be allowed in existing homes, however new & remodel will require wire-in versions.

AFCI – Still waiting for clarification on this one, but will essentially extend the arc-fault requirement beyond the bedroom to the rest of the home.  Means significant increase in breaker cost and space requirements. Not only will the breaker cost you about 8x a normal single pole breaker, but you’ll be needing a sub panel or 2 to fit them in… Good news, Seimens/Murrray has a new 200amp service with a FULL 40 space distribution (but it’s a bit larger than the current 200a service). Also, Cooper wiring devices received UL approval for the first ACFI ‘Device’ (not yet available)

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