Arc fault breaker on multi-wire branch circuit

[packerbacker]

I have installed a three wire romex feed for receptacles in a finished basement. The inspector now wants them arc-fault protected. The home has a QO panel and Square D doesn't make a two pole arc fault breaker. At least I can't find one. Can I install two single pole arc faults and tail both breakers to the one neutral. The owner wants both circuits, so I don't want to abandon one.

 

[infinity]

No you cannot do what you want because it will not work. I believe that GE makes a single pole AFCI breaker that can be used on a MWBC but that doesn't help you much with a Sq d panel.

 

[480sparky]

Remove the two circuits and relocate them into a small GE panel that will accept the AFCI breakers that work on MWBCs. Take the open spaces left by the original breakers to feed the subpanel.

 

[infinity]

That's one option. Depending on the installation setup I might opt to just run a new 2 wire cable.

 

[roger]

Not that this is a great option but, if the previous suggestions are not possible could you get by with one circuit in the basement?

Roger

 

[Smart $]

I have installed a three wire romex feed for receptacles in a finished basement. The inspector now wants them arc-fault protected. The home has a QO panel and Square D doesn't make a two pole arc fault breaker. At least I can't find one. Can I install two single pole arc faults and tail both breakers to the one neutral. The owner wants both circuits, so I don't want to abandon one.

Does the 3-wire homerun branch out to 2-wire circuits....

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