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Posted By: HotLine1 Hmmm....the elusive AFCI device??? - 09/15/10 01:26 PM
Gentlemen:

Within the '11 Significant Changes to the 2011 NEC, by the NJACT, I just came upon the AFCI device!

Page 41 (210.12 (A) exceptions, there is a graphic, and page 43, another showing the phantom device. The caption under the graphic on page 43 says...
Prototype Courtesy of Pass and Seymour Legrand.

Posted By: renosteinke Re: Hmmm....the elusive AFCI device??? - 09/15/10 03:25 PM
Maybe the NEC needs a new disclaimer: "Code provisions are only 'prototype' revisions until such time as the imagined products are on the shelf at Home Depot."
Posted By: HotLine1 Re: Hmmm....the elusive AFCI device??? - 09/15/10 07:01 PM
I placed a call to a local rep of P&S-L to see if he has any input.

I'll follow up when I hear anything.

John Hotline.,

I did recall it I did talk to someone about the AFCI device and they supposed to make them over 10 year ago just right before the AFCI requirement kick in and still not on the market so far.

Are they are avoiding something that can not muster the UL testing ??

Merci,
Marc
Posted By: renosteinke Re: Hmmm....the elusive AFCI device??? - 09/21/10 03:34 PM
Mark, the AFCI devices were claimed to be available from 1999 through 2001, when they were withdrawn. They were withdrawn because it was clear that the 2002 would require the 'entire circuit' to be protected ... pretty much destroying any market for these devices.

While the NEC backed off a little in the 2005 and 2008 editions, allowing for the use of the devices right next to the panel, the manufacturers are hesitant to tool-up again. IMO, their fears are justified, as each code cycle seeks to expand the role of AFCI's in our homes.

To parallel the AFCI drama, at least one breaker manufacturer is currently campaiging to require GFI protection at the panel, rather than at the device. ECN has had a thread on this topic.

Please note that the panel manufacturers' concerns about 'safety' have not extended so far as to allow the placing of "Brand X" breakers into "Brand Y" panels ... at least, not without undertaking a massive testing and certification program. Indeed, the recent emphasis on "series rating" can be seen as an attempt to require the exclusive use of one brand everywhere in a building.

UL simply isn't in any position to play referee in this matter. With their emphasis on "consensus" standards, it's all too easy for the process to be manipulated by the manufacturers. That, IMO, is at the root of why there are no true "AFCI testers" available.

At first glance, the 2011 edition appears to make the use of AFCI devices much more practical; that's why I hope we will see some such devices soon.

Now ... if only someone could explain to me why combining a $5 breaker with a $9 device results in a breaker that has to cost $35 .....
Posted By: HotLine1 Re: Hmmm....the elusive AFCI device??? - 09/21/10 06:53 PM
Reno asked..."Now ... if only someone could explain to me why combining a $5 breaker with a $9 device results in a breaker that has to cost $35 ....."

Perhaps profit has something to do with that.

Posted By: HotLine1 Re: Hmmm....the elusive AFCI device??? - 09/21/10 06:56 PM
Marc:
As Reno said, it' been a rumor since '99 or thereabouts. I came upon the P&S 'prototype' within a graphic in the '11 NEC changes book, and I'm thinking it may show up soon.

From what I mention above...you may be on the right track with the 'listing' comment.

Stay well...
Posted By: gfretwell Re: Hmmm....the elusive AFCI device??? - 09/21/10 08:07 PM
I think Reno is more on point with his classified breaker comment. As long as they only sell breakers and the breakers are only allowed to be used in their panels by abusing 110.3(B), they have an assured market in new load centers.
The 2011 change assures this.

If I was an enterprising entrepreneur I would make a small panel, intended to be used as a sub that was listed with an aftermarket breaker.
I suspect the problem is there is not enough profit in this to cover the cost to get it listed.
Posted By: mikesh Re: Hmmm....the elusive AFCI device??? - 09/22/10 06:30 PM
The AFCI device was also rejected in Canada as the intent for AFCI devices was to protect the concealed wiring in the walls and not necessarily the cord under the carpet where Grandma's rocking chair is located.
I don't know that series rating rules always force a single manufacturer's breakers. The probably do where the lower rated breaker is within the higher fault zone.
In a big building is is common for the distribution to use all the same manufacturers equipment especially if series rating is part of the design but by the time you are getting to the panels in the tenant spaces the fault levels are often well within the standard 10ka fault level for most modern breakers. That or the tenant space panel might have a series rated pane for a lower fault level still over 10 ka.

So say the service gear is in a 45 ka fault zone but the nearest suite panel is in a 18 ka fault zone. the main service could all be Schneider and the suite panel could be cutler hammer with a series rated main at 22 ka and 10 ka branch.

No series rating between the main service panels and the suite panels.

Now if coordination is required you really are needing the gear from 1 manufacturer and certainly are needing the more expensive breakers until you get enough impedance to get the fault levels below 10ka.
Posted By: Gregtaylor Re: Hmmm....the elusive AFCI device??? - 09/22/10 06:56 PM
If you install an AFCI device rather than a circuit breaker, what will protect that portion of the wiring from the panel to the device? Remember, GFCI's protect people from electric shock. AFCI's protect the wiring and the structure from fire. Why protect only part of the infrastructure that could cause the fire?
Posted By: renosteinke Re: Hmmm....the elusive AFCI device??? - 09/22/10 07:21 PM
Greg, we've had a number of threads on the general topic of AFCi's, and I don't think it will help to go over that ground again.

I started this thread because a cursory glance at the changes proposed for the 2011 edition suggests that the NEC will allow the use of AFCI devices in more situations.

We also need to keep in mind that there truly are BILLIONS of dollars at stake here, as the NEC wavers back and forth. You simply cannot legislate 'progress.' Manufacturers are not about to risk their existance on chance - especially when they've been burned once already!

That's why I put the call out .... if anyone actually sees one of these 'now allowed' devices, I want to know about it.
Posted By: HotLine1 Re: Hmmm....the elusive AFCI device??? - 09/22/10 07:29 PM
Greg:
Reading the language/intent of the NEC, the branch circuit from the panel to the AFCI device MUST be in a metalic raceway, or MC cable. That would be the protection IMHO of the wording and reasoning of the NEC requirements.

Presumably, any arc would be within the metalic raceway, and be of sufficient magnatude to trip the branch OCP.

Keep in mind that the above is my opinion.

BTW, the P&S rep emailed back that there is NO AFCI device available from P&S.

Posted By: Gregtaylor Re: Hmmm....the elusive AFCI device??? - 09/22/10 11:06 PM
I didn't read the OP thoroughly enough. Yes, AFCI's in general have been discussed enough.
To the point, in an Eaton seminar yesterday, the class was told that P&S had a patent on an AFCI device but that no actual product existed (other than prototypes)and none was currently planned, and that the same was true of Eaton/CH. Production is stalled by uncertainty over the adaptation of the code change mentioned by the OP'er. All of this info is at least 3rd hand.
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