Hello,
I know they have arc-fault circuit breakers that will replace a typical breaker in a Load Center for a residence.
But I have read that there are recently available ones to replace the regular wall outlets. Also, apparently, combination arc-fault and GFCI's for wall outlets.
Have searched Google and the others, but can't seem to find any offerings.
Anyone know who offers, and perhaps the Link to ?
Thanks, Bob
just curious, why are you looking for them? Having had to stuff some GFCI receptacles into old single gang boxes I think I would prefer simply replacing the breaker.
nate
These were first recognized in the code in 2005 with an additional requirement that the device be within 6' of the panel and fed with a metalic raceway or metal armored cable. The intent is to have a way of installing AFCIs on a circuit fed from a fuse panel or a panel too old to have AFCIs available.
Hi,
That's probably what I'll do.
Just curious if they (the outlet kind) are available, however.
Regards, Bob
just curious, why are you looking for them? Having had to stuff some GFCI receptacles into old single gang boxes I think I would prefer simply replacing the breaker.
nate
I don't see a 6' rule in the 08 code, other than for flexible metal conduit. I think the idea of steel cable or metal conduit is just to give added protection prior to the protecting AFCI, which will be required almost everywhere. I haven't researched the new code yet, but it would also appear that you could run a multiwire branch circuit to a location, then split two AFCI circuits off of it, although all multiwire circuits will require double pole breakers
I just had a CEU class this past Saturday on the 2008 code for New Jersey and of course the subject of arc fault circuit breakers was a hot topic. The instructor had met with people from the state recently and said that the combination arc fault protector requirement will most likely get passed into law this fall when the code gets adopted. BTW a combination arc fault circuit breaker is NOT an AFCI/GFCI device. It actually protects against different types of arc faults which is one of the reasons NJ did not require them previously. In the past some manufacturers AFCI's only protected against one type of arc fault and other manufacturers AFCI's protected against another type of arc fault. The combination arc fault circuit breaker covers them all.
Even though it is mentioned in the code, according to the instructor there currently is no arc fault wiring device to replace receptacles. As the teacher said "Why would you want one?" Using a wiring device instead of a AFCI breaker leaves the most loaded section of the wiring unprotected against arc faults.
You can run some metal raceways to the 1st (AFCI) outlet in a metal box. It apparently doesn't have to be max 6' from the panel anymore.
I still haven't looked carefully at "where". My impression is AFCI are required about everywhere a GFCI isn't.
The double pole breaker would have to be AFCI (which may be what you intended) unless the multiwire is in raceway as above. The intent is to protect the whole branch circuit.
It will be interesting how many jurisdictions don't require AFCIs for as many locations as the 2008 NEC. From the comments on the code change, the expansion is controversial.
"Branch/Feeder" AFCI were required starting with the 2002 NEC for bedrooms. They were required to detect arcs at a 75A level, so they would only detect "parallel" arcs (H-N, H-G). Ground fault detection was also required at 50mA (but commonly provided at 30 mA). As you know, that is not the same as a GFCI (5mA). The idea was apparently an arc with a ground present might soon result in ground current.
"Outlet circuit" AFCI were defined but were not required and I don't know if they were made. The required arc detection level is 5A, so they will detect a "series" arc (loose connections).
"Combination" AFCIs 'combine' the protection of "Branch/Feeder" and "Outlet circuit" - so they detect "series" arcs (also with 50mA ground fault). They are required by the 2005 NEC starting Jan 1, 2008. I don't think anyone had them out much before that.
Then there is the vast (half-vast?) expansion of where AFCIs are required in the 2008 NEC.
Greg had a good answer - if you can't get a CB type AFCI for your panel.
Or if they won't fit. The AFCIs available for my panel are 1 inch wide (single pole) while the existing breakers are 0.5 inch wide. There are
3 empty half-slots in the panel, so with some rearrangement I could put up to 3 AFCIs in the panel - and then it would be completely full.For new construction, you could just install a larger panel, but this isn't so practical for retrofit.
The other problem is that I have a bunch of two-pole 15 A breakers protecting Edison-type split circuits, which would have to be replaced by two-pole AFCI units - if they even exist.
Besides, I thought AFCIs were primarily for protection against arcs in portable wiring - extension cords, portable lamps and appliances, etc. Are they now supposed to protect against arcs in permanent wiring too?
Dave
It appears in the 08 book, that you'll be able to run from the panel to the first box, using AC cable, etc, and multiwire circuits are Ok provided you connect to a double pole breaker, so I'm assuming you can run a multiwire to a couple of adjacent bedrooms, and stick two AFCI outlets in one box, and protect the two circuits from that location. Most likely, when all circuits have to be AFCI protected, the cost of the breakers will be cheap enough, that I shouldn't bother to be too cleaver
If they exist, you may have to take out a sub-prime mortgage to afford them. The requirement is new wiring so existing multiwires shouldn't be a problem unless you replace the panel. (If you replace the panel I suspect it is up to the inspector whether you have to protect existing circuits.)
I believe the major risk is plug-in stuff. But they are also intended to protect the supply wiring. The original AFCIs were "Branch/Feeder". The
2008 NEC allows unprotected wiring to an outlet type AFCI using some some metal-protected wiring to a metal box.HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.