I kind of like the ideas of POU [Point Of Use], or POC [Point Of Connection] type AFCI equipment - similar to the GFCIs intregally used with cord caps on things like Blowdryers, etc.

Houses with existing K&T could [maybe??] benifit from AFCI breakers - to protect against arc faults from chipped off insulation and random contacting metallic items, or even the "Wannabe Sparky Rodents" [Linked Image]

The concept is a good one. They just need to be perfected, so the nuicance tripping events can be highly limited - otherwise consumers will do as they have with nuicance tripping GFCIs; "Bypass That Darn Thing!!!"

We all have gone through major discussions concerning personal safety equipment in various forums [IAEI, MHE and here at ECN], so we're all aware of the other persons' feelings and ideas of just what to do.

So once again, I'll make my statements of being pro safety items which either reduce or eliminate Electrical Hazards to persons - ranging from Fires to Electrocution.
In order for this to exist, the protecting devices must be as failsafe as possible and as reliable as possible. This means extensive testing, reliability and "Crowbarring" themselves if they fail.

Lastly, these devices should be cost controlled, so it doesn't become an issue between "Can I Afford It" and "I Can't Replace It Because It's Too Expensive"

That's the views from me - Mr. Liberal!!!

Scott SET

Scott " 35 " Thompson
Just Say NO To Green Eggs And Ham!