Client in Chicago area flipping out over AFCI breaker requirements

Been in the Chicago area my whole career and man, this client is testing me. I'm wiring up their kitchen remodel, installing new AFCI breakers per NEC 210.12, and they keep arguing that it's unnecessary BS since their old setup never tripped. I explained it's for arc fault protection to prevent fires, but they want me to use standard breakers to save $50 per spot. Tried showing them a Dustin Stelzer video from Electrician U on why AFCIs matter, but nah, they're insisting on the cheap way. Saw a similar rant on r/electricians last week about stubborn homeowners. Anyone dealt with this kinda pushback? FML.

same here, had a guy refuse GFCIs in the bathroom, called the inspector himself and got schooled.

SharkBite fittings are fine behind walls. Fight me.

god, these clients make me wanna quit. last one argued over every romex run.

upgraded my whole panel to Square D QO last year, clients love it now.

feel ya, brother. chicago winters don't help when you're arguing indoors.

fire 'em if they won't listen, life's too short for idiots.

same shit here, had a guy refuse afcis in the garage.

homeowners like that are why i charge double for changes.

saw a post in Electricians Network fb group about this, guy walked off the job.

use the code book as your bible, quote the section and make 'em sign off.

install it right, let the inspector fail it, then they pay extra to fix.

been there, just walk away before it becomes a nightmare.

these pe backed companies are ruining it for all of us small guys.

chicago client? bet it's that wind making wires hum or some bs excuse.

man, i feel for ya. same with my last ev charger install.

insurance companies love when we cut corners, said no one ever.

clients accepted my eff you price after i showed the fire risk vid.

awful, had one demand i reuse old knob and tube.

document everything, text pics of the code, cover your ass.

same, my knees ache from these arguments more than the work.

hit $150k this year by firing problem clients early.

guy in the contractor fight group said charge a stupidity fee.

frustrated af, just quoted a full rewire and they ghosted.

watched electricians u on tiktok, he says educate or terminate.

pe firms buying up shops, now everyone's cutting corners for profit.

terrible, had a client try to install their own subpanel.

use milwaukee tools to speed up, less time arguing.

chicago area? those old houses need it more than anywhere.

we're all in this crap together, hang in there.

funny how they complain til the house burns, then sue.

don't explain, just do it and bill 'em.

lol, my last client brought a youtube printout as 'proof'.

we feel you, man. solidarity.

humor in these clients keeps me sane, or insane.

afcis save lives, tell 'em that or walk.

same old story, clients think we're overcharging for safety.

insurance rates skyrocket without proper code, show 'em the math.

had a near miss last week, loose neutral almost sparked.

lmao, client called back begging after inspector visit.

pe vultures circling, killing the trade.