my NEC agenda

The 2008 NEC already adopted one of my personal agendas with the code, even though I never submitted any proposals (only mentioned there here and a couple other places which I believe had no contributory factor). That change was elimination of 408.35. Actually, I would have been satisified with increasing the limit to at least 72.

With the new expanded AFCI requirement, larger panels may be needed to space out the breakers to avoid building up too much heat in there. Let's see ... space the AFCI breaker at every other slot? No. But maybe a cycle of 2 filled and 1 empty might be enough. If they do end up needing to be every other slot, then they will have to be at different slots on the other side to avoid putting everything on the same phase. But I like the 2 filled / 1 empty idea better (allows for 2-pole AFCI within the scheme).

They do need to make a corresponding change to 90.8(B) to match it. Since to comment period is over, hopefully they will clear it up as an editorial issue.

The other change in my agenda is 210.6(A)(1) and 210.6(A)(2). I would allow, in _single_ dwelling units, up to 277 volts supplying luminaires other than screw in type provided the luminaire frame is connected to the EGC, with the 120 volt limit remaining for pre-existing ungrounded luminaires. I would expect these would be wired with 240 volts in most homes choosing to go higher than 120. I would also completely eliminate

I believe everything that can use 240 volts should use 240 volts where practical and safe. And I believe it is safe in virtually all cases in a home in the USA that is wired in compliance with current code.

Certain things like Edison-screw-base lamps should still be limited to

I would allow for 240 volt (and even, if available, 277 volt) outlets for general use without a requirement for a minimum current level.

In most cases rule 210.6(A)(2) is easy to get around because most 240 volt appliances are over the 1440 VA level. And for those that are not, the receptacle can often be justified for the existance of one somewhere that does use 240 volts and may need to be used at that location.

Many computer power supplies are more efficient when supplied with 240 volts. With less current, the building wiring will also be heating up less and wasting less power.

BTW: I still oppose any bans on the use of incandescent lighting for task lighting purposes where long term task work could be done (and that most definitely includes the kitchen). But I would use 12-volt halogen type lights in these cases, anyway. If anyone can invent a new kind of light that produces the same spectrum that incandescent does in the 400-700nm spectrum (and presumably much less outside of that range) then I would be willing to consider adopting that technology.

Speaking of lights, does anyone know of a compact fluorescent lamp that screws into a standard base that provides the same _light_ level as a

A question: should 210.12 be expanded to require AFCI protection also on