Can I use the old flexible conduit?

What I remembered was the source of the addition could be an AFCI receptacle. You are right. If I remember right the AFCI first receptacle would then have to be readily accessible. The code panel seems intent on retroactively requiring AFCI protection.

If the first receptacle is AFCI (above, or to protect replaced receptacles) the wiring from the panel to the first receptacle is also protected from "series" arcs (may not be apparent to others).

The question is whether 'old' BX is an "effective ground path" so you can install grounded receptacles. IMHO it is a 'grandfather' condition.

If 'old' BX is not considered an "effective ground path", and you succumb to the increasing NEC insistence by installing an AFCI 'first' receptacle, does that provide adequate protection to install downstream grounded receptacles? AFCIs have at least 50mA (usually 30mA) ground fault protection. Doesn't make downstream receptacles GFCI protected, but should trip on ground current that would be carried by 'old' BX.

From the 2014 NEC 210.12 (B) Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications Dwelling Units. In any of the areas specified in 210.12(A), where branch-circuit wiring is modified, replaced, or extended, the branch circuit shall be protected by one of the following: (1) A listed combination-type AFCI located at the origin of the branch circuit (2) A listed outlet branch-circuit type AFCI located at the first receptacle outlet of the existing branch circuit

It needs to be 5ma GFCI. I am not sure they make a GFCI/AFCI receptacle device but a couple of manufacturers do make the breaker type. For the purposes of tripping an AFCI, I would trust the BX as a ground path if it tested OK with a 3 light tester. If it tested OK with a Suretest or Ecos (

As I wrote, "you are right".

So 'old' BX is not considered an "effective ground path"? Wasn't it when installed - to carry ground faults to the metal wiring system and trip the breaker/blow fuse.

No problem when inspecting?

I have trouble imagining properly installed BX that, with a ground fault, would not trip an AFCI on 30 mA ground fault (not arc fault). An original circuit (before AFCIs) the circuit breaker/fuse would not trip on a 30mA ground fault. I don't see why GFCIs are required (if not in an area where GFCIs are required).

====================================== A common reason for rejecting code proposals is that no substantiating data has been submitted.

Up through when AFCI protection was required almost everywhere I don't remember any substantiating data supporting requiring AFCIs.

And that year there was a proposal to not require fire alarms be on AFCI circuits (nifty idea - when there may be a fire kill the fire alarms). It was rejected because there was 'no substantiating data that it would increase safety'. I kinda think there was never any substantiating data that fire alarms were fire hazards that needed AFCI protection. (I think fire alarm standards require alarms on GFCI/AFCI have battery backup.) ====================================== When will the NEC require all receptacles be GFCI/AFCI/child-proof/weather-resistant?

It is a gray area. I do not have a problem with old wiring methods if they test OK but there are other guys who do not agree.

There is a distinction between "fire alarms" and "smoke detectors" It is the smoke detector that has to be on AFCIs. Yes they do need to be battery backed up.

Nothing would surprise me. The AFCI was rammed through before Cuttler Hammer even had a working unit on the market ... and they were the people who did it. One of my neighbors was consulting on the project in the late 90s. I have often asked why CPSC did not order a recall and have CH/SqD pay to replace all of those early units that were largely ineffective. The AFCI took about 3 swings to get where it is now.

bud-- posted for all of us...

Hey Bud, turn off the Avast ad...

I am annoyed by it and would love to. How do you do it??

It didn't used to appear.

Did you look at the settings in whatever email client you have? I would think it probably has a setting to append some line of your choice and that Avast turned it on and shoved it's ad in as the text.

Here are the instructions for disabling the Avast signature.