This article was posted 12/14/2007 and is most likely outdated.

Article 760 Fire Alarm Systems - 760.21
 

 
Subject - Article 760 Fire Alarm Systems - 760.21
Based on - NEC - 2005 Edition

December 14, 2007
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Fire Alarm Systems

760.21 GFCI and AFCI Protection

Part II. Nonpower-Limited Fire Alarm (NPLFA) Circuits

New rule prohibits AFCI protection of the 120V circuit that supplies power for a nonpower-limited fire alarm system.

The power source for a nonpower-limited fire alarm circuit cannot be supplied through ground-fault circuit interrupters or arc-fault circuit interrupters. Figure 760-2

Author’s Comment: This GFCI/AFCI limitation only applies to the circuit that supplies a nonpower-limited fire alarm system. Smoke detectors connected to a 15 or 20A, 120V circuit must be AFCI-protected if located in the bedroom of a dwelling unit [210.12(B)]; because according to NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code the circuit for the smoke detectors isn’t the power source of a nonpower-limited fire alarm circuit.



Figure 760-2
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Comments

  • Mike

    Just a quick comment. We need to differenciate between a smoke detector and smoke alarm. Smoke detectors are part of a fire alarm system, a smoke alarms are a requirement of the building code, which in turn refers you to NFPA 72, under chapter 11. Where you will find that "smoke alarms powered by AFCI-protected circuits shall have a secondary power" (11.6.3(5) nfpa 72). So, when it comes both NPLFA and PLFA, neither systems shall be supply through a GFCI or AFCI. Thanks.

    Lorenzo
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