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AFCIs are snake oil. It is a solution looking for a problem it might fix.

And so far AFCI's seem to be creating more problems than they fix.

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Submitter: Thomas Domitrovich, Eaton Electrical; AND Submitter: Alan Manche, Square D Co.

Wow. If manufacturers of these PITA devices can try to force through a Code Change to enhance thier own sales, then maybe I can submit some changes to Articles 540 (Motion Picture Projectors) and 640 (Audio Signal Processing, Amplification, and Reproduction Equipment)to make MY contract requirements for dedicated neutrals and properly phase-sequenced subpanels a Code Requirement!! {sarcasm in case you didn't get it. [Linked Image]} My years of field experience has proven that my techniques will save equipment damage and potential fire hazards from burning amplifiers and runaway film projectors. [Linked Image]

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I suspect Home Depot will be stocking up on regular single pole breakers and the handy man will have lots of work.

George hit it right on the head. Even Harry Homeowner will get the bright idea to try changing out those pesky AFCI's with the sure (to cause a) fire "advice" from the box store know-it-alls. [Linked Image] Let's see how that will adversely affect house fire statistics. (Not to mention the number of DIY's injured or killed messing around in live panels.)

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AFCIs are required, not because of a nanny-government.

Seems to be the direction we've been heading, especially if this boneheaded proposal gets put in the Code.


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They are required because we have a new technology that can save lives.

Again, George nailed it:

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Can anyone definitavely give us a number of fires that were prevented?
Statistics should show us something if this is the panacea that would justify this billion dollar fix. The AHJs that opted out of the AFCI rules should have had worse fire statistics on their new homes.

and:

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....if there was an AFCI device on the marker that could do what the manufacture's said they could do in the original proposals for the AFCI...some 13 years ago. Unfortunately there is no such device on the market at this time.....

If they haven't gotten it right in thirteen years, that should be a HUGE WARNING FLAG right there!!! I don't recall GFCI's taking that long to reach a state of high reliability and low cost.

What a mess!!!!!

Stupid should be painful.