Originally Posted by
Richard Abrams
AFCI protection is only required for new residential units.
Nope.
AFCI protection is required for (bold is mine): All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets
installed in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.
I don't see the word "new" in there. If the work is permitted and is being done, the code covers it.
If the work is to the extent described (gutted to the studs and block walls) then this is a major remodeling job and, in most locations, spending that much money requires not only "all new work" but much or most of "the old work" to meet current code.
Yes, that varies from AHJ to AHJ, but when a house is gutted like that, most consider it as needing to meet current requirements.