Hello, everyone.
Well, it's been 7 months since I quit my day job to go on my own, and it seems that the only time I have the time to log on is when I need advice. Maybe when winter sets in, I'll have more time for chat.
Anyway...

Many think that eventually AFCIs will be required all throughout a residence.
Is so, do you consider it a bad idea to utilize new multi-wire branch ckts.
I assume that 3-wire AFCIs will become readily available, but I'm wondering if people people are using multi-wire ckts. in residences.
Why, or why not?

Thanks.

John

I don't use multiwire circuits, John. I've seen too many cases where the wiring has been changed in the panel creating the problem of an undersized neutral.

Dave

I always use multiwire branch circuits in residences, but we are all EMT, so it just makes sense to do it to keep your wire fill down.

It helps keep things straight in the panel if you have a color scheme and pipe things in a sensible manner.

Redsy, who are these "many" that think the whole house will be AFCI? Maybe I'm just out of the loop, but that sounds excessive to me. What next, sprinkle and monitored alarm panel? why not just outlaw wood? That way you reduce fires of all causes.

Thanks, guys.

Dave55,
Yes, multiwire ckts present problems for those who don't recognize them, and I usually avoid them in residential installations. However, I use them on occasion, and have been wondering about the wisdom of doing so with the possibility of wider application of AFCIs.

Jps1006,

I have read several articles (maybe opinions?) in trade magazine, and possibly on this or other websites that as AFCIs become more acceptable, their application will be more widespread than just bedrooms.
In anticipation of this, would it be wise to avoid multi-wire ckts?

They make a 12/4, and 14/4 romex with ground for use with GFCI, and AFCI applications. 2 opposite hots, and 2 identified neutrals. (One neutral has a red stripe the other black.) Great for kitchen and bed rooms! Just remember to use deep boxes.

[This message has been edited by e57 (edited 09-11-2004).]

We use multiwire circuits in resi all the time. Any qualified electrician should recognize the use of this. As for any others, they shouldn't be inside the panel box anyways.

Also, 2pole AFCIs are readily available and work great with the multiwire circuits we run.

Until an npfa decision came along to negate it, our Chief State Inspector here insisted that all service upgrades with multiwire circuitry be addressed when they came on the market

mind you, we went full blown afci in '99

i can't believe i pay tax $$$ for these people...

~S~