AFCI only on 120?

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Sharpie

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I searched the 2008 NEC, and all I could find was requirements on 120V 15 & 20A being protected with AFCI (in resi). What keeps someone from driving a nail into a dryer circuit, or A/C circuit? Where is the protection for them?

Maybe I'm missing something.:confused:

Thanks,
 
120v circuits are singled out because for the most part, they're the ones that have a lot of things being plugged and unplugged. Lights, vacuums, computers, cell phone charges, an occasional extension cord..........you name it.

But 240v circuits don't have that happen to them. They get plugged in and left that way for years.

The thinking is that 120v cords get a lot more wear and tear on them than any 240v cord will.
 
Then I guess they're not concerned about the cables/wires in the walls, just extension cords and equipment cords? That's not how I understood the concerns. For example, if that were the case, why would they require AC cable to the first AFCI device?
 
Sharpie said:
Then I guess they're not concerned about the cables/wires in the walls, just extension cords and equipment cords? That's not how I understood the concerns. For example, if that were the case, why would they require AC cable to the first AFCI device?
Click to expand...

LarryFine said:
That was the intent when AFCI's first came out.
Click to expand...

I agree and it is still the intent, but clearly they want the NM cables protected as well as we must protect the branch circuit not just the outlet.
 
My understanding is that the 120v-only requirement comes from studying the root causes of electrical fires.

I guess it was determined that in dwellings, the majority of electrical fires were caused by 120v circuits. hence, they were targeted first for AFCI protection.
 
Let's just make the main breaker an AFCI. Sure it'll be a nuisance when it trips, but at least everything's protected:grin:
 
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