Mike, as usual, your information is excellent and accurate. This brings to mind an ongoing problem with the NEC especially as it applies to relatively new technology such as GFCI and AFCI protection. With each new invention to improve safety, comes added cost.

No one seems to care about the cost when adding code requirements. GFCI protection for agricultural buildings as required by Article 547 does without a doubt improve safety. The increased AFCI protection required by the new NEC will most certainly save lives and property. These all come with a price. Some believe that the price is insignificant compared to the price of the home or building. Think of it as a 25 cent increase in the price of gasoline.

What about the small family farmer who can barely afford the electric bill? When small businesses go under, larger businesses can charge more. When a giant retailer builds in a small town and puts the mom and pop stores out of business they regretfully raise prices while telling everyone how much they are saving. When all of the family farms become office parks, retail centers, and subdivisions, the large corporate owned farms can then dictate what we eat and how much we pay for our food.

We need a balance between safety and cost.