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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 60
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I'll also sympathize with all the homeowners who have 20 space 40 circuit panels now and they want to add a new circuit in 2008. Will there be any open slots for an AFCI? Will anyone make a tandem breaker that is AFCI? The panels are going to run out of slots if most of the circuits will require breakers that only come in the full size category and not tandems.
Mark Kent, WA
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Joined: May 2005
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There's nothing quite like a Square D QO 100-amp, 32-space subpanel to add those full-sized breakers and circuits they need.
Dave
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 308
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If they get the arc faults to really work, then we can relax the requirement for receptacle spacing since extension cords won't be a hazard. One receptacle per room again--ah the good old days.
This could really drive down overall costs.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 110
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Reminds me of how my bedroom was-- only two outlets in a 15x17 room. It was... interesting to find a place to plug things in. (Then they came in and installed outlets and only two of them share an AFF height, but that's another story).
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Joined: Feb 2005
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I'll also sympathize with all the homeowners who have 20 space 40 circuit panels now and they want to add a new circuit in 2008. You'd have the same issues with a 40-space/40-circuit panel.
Larry Fine Fine Electric Co. fineelectricco.com
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Joined: Apr 2001
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"You'd have the same issues with a 40-space/40-circuit panel." Larry, Who makes an AFCI twin CB? The point Markp is making is there won't be an application for a 20/40 panel if the only single pole breakers available are full size. A 20/40 will just be a 20.
[This message has been edited by Fred (edited 09-21-2006).]
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10
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When the 2008 comes out and if the whole house requirement is in it how long would it be before the manufacturers started making AFCI main breakers? The cost for the mains would skyrocket and the manufacturers could still market the 20/40 panels.
Bryan L. Key Safety Inspector/Trainer Terry's Electric Inc. An Xcelecom Company 600 N. Thacker Ave., Suite A Kissimmee, Florida 34741
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,213
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Do AFCI breakers have a high defect rate? 1 of the AFCI breakers I just put in trips even with no load connected. $35 for THAT kind of quality assurance? Gives me a real warm fuzzy on them doing their job if there IS an arc...
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,931 Likes: 34
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AFCI the main? I bet that would be popular. A little water in your outside outlet and the freezer defrosts.
Greg Fretwell
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 482
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I really don't foresee a main breaker AFCI. I think you're joking(?). Talk about the headaches. Then again, at a two hour minimum per serverce call...
As for the failure rate, I have had quite a few problems with quality as well. I'd say maybe one in ten or fifteen have given me problems, and that adds up. So does the hassle of taking them back. I don't think this new requirement is going to end well...
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Posts: 57
Joined: August 2003
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