Sparky from your post I am assuming that you don't know that arc fault breakers have ground fault protection built in. It is not GFCI protection and trips around 30 milliamps instead of the 6 MA for GFCI protection.
well i believe that would make it a GFPE here MikeS, and no, nobody really knows
all the parameters of the AFCI.
but that's really inconsequential , given the situation i have repeatedly stepped into around my turf , the insurance companies are dictating what is, and what is not
'safe' wiring, at least in that limbo term '
existing' is applicable
i've approached some, or suggested my customers approach them, with the idea of installing afci's
explaining that it stands for
'Arc Fault' and that one can contact the manufacturer for details
The onus of credibility is then, shifted bettween these entities ,
they decide,
not me.
and why shouldn't it? any AHJ can ask me here to produce manufactuer's information on
any electrical item i install, i've just kicked it all upstairs to where the real movers and shakers are
I've explained this to the local AHJ too. He's conceeded to my methods as the bandaid that it is. About ten years ago i also wrote UL asking the same Q, but they did not forward a detailed reply.
In an economy where few have the $$$ for a complete rewire, and a biz can get shut down , or a homeower rejected by the insurance cabal , any sanctioned avenue is going to be investigated
my methods from this point are typical, usually done in stages. 1)split up the older larger circuits into a number of derated ones, 2) investigate & reterminate with plastic enclosures (not metal) 3)provide new dedicated circuitry where applicable 4)GFCI at point of use where required.
so they eventually get a rewire anyways....
~S~
