ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Does your State Fire Marshal Agree? AFCI's are here to stay!!

I saw a couple topics that could use some additional clarification, so I hope this helps...

There are five types of AFCIs listed in UL 1699 although the NEC has only required branch feeder AFCIs to date. Another type is combination breakers, which are listed in the 2005 NEC BUT with an effective date of 2008. This is due to the fact that there are no Combination AFCIs available at this time and since everyone has seen some of the learning curve associated with AFCIs to date, there is sufficient reason to make sure these work properly in the real world.

Fires in older homes are a bigger problem by virtue of so many older homes in existence. There are many issues that AFCIs would help with such as detecting faults in Al wiring, insulation breakedon in older wiring like knob and tube, etc. AFCIs will benefit there and one of the current proposals for the 2005 NEC is to have them for any service changeouts/upgrades. The 2005 NEC will not be finalized until the end of May 2004 so this is still open.

Thank you!! Finally!
www.eaton.com

A CB manufacturer has come aboard! Welcome, and please do keep us (me) informed.

Could use you at some of my seminars, any samples??

Joe

Kirk,
Are AFCIs listed for use on circuits that do not include an EGC? It in my understanding that with the currently available AFCIs that the ground fault protection part of the device is the part that most often opens the circuit for high resistance or "glowing" faults. If there is not an EGC in the circuit, then the glowing fault would have to progress to a line to line fault before the AFCI would open the circuit.
Don