What’s yours opinion on tandem breakers

[OZ324]

Doing a basement complete remodel and prepping for electrical work. I need to wire three separate spaces for lighting and all the outlets. One is a bar. No bedrooms. Bath already has a separate breaker. Thanks.

 

[Stuff]

A moot point most of the time. For most new circuits in a residence you can't use a tandem as need a full size slot for a code required AFCI breaker.

Starting with 2008 NEC AFCI required in family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreations rooms, closets, hallways and similar rooms

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

It sounds as if he would need to put in a subpanel.

If it were me, I might move some existing circuits to tandem breakers, to free up space for full sized breakers for the new circuits. Would that be cheating a bit?

 

[hj]

quote;
Starting with 2008 NEC AFCI required in family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreations rooms, closets, hallways and similar rooms

WHAT is left?

 

[Reach4]

WHAT is left?

Kitchens, bathrooms, unfinished basements, garages, outdoor although they need GFCI, and the protection can be at the outlet.

I don't know about 240 such as 240 room air conditioners.

 

[Stuff]

I left out: the 2014 NEC added kitchens and laundry areas to the AFCI list.

120 volt circuits only so far.

 

[Reach4]

I left out: the 2014 NEC added kitchens and laundry areas to the AFCI list.

What if the town is on 2008 NEC when the permit is drawn, but the town moves to 2014 NEC before the inspection?

 

[Stuff]

What if the town is on 2008 NEC when the permit is drawn, but the town moves to 2014 NEC before the inspection?

You check the fine print as most permits are for code when issued. Otherwise find out what kind of beer the inspector likes.