Arc fault breakers in old panels

[Will Wire]

I?m working on a house built in 1985. It has a Westinghouse panel that states that type BR breakers are to be used. If I use a BR type Arcfault breaker manufactured today, is that still code compliant since Arcfault breakers were not invented in 1986? Thank you.

 

[coop3339]

I believe it is ok if it is the same type, but you could contact the manufacturer to be sure.

 

[curt swartz]

Westinghouse's distribution equipment was purchased by Eaton. Eaton BR breakers are the correct replacement breakers.

 

[ActionDave]

Yes, you can put a new BR breaker in an old BR panel, AFCI's included.

 

[Sierrasparky]

FYI, There is AFCI for most of the modern type plug in breaker panels. Some company has taken over the line.
Basically the only ones not are Zinsco, FPE, Pushmatic,

 

[templdl]

Ditto to what the others stated.
In addition If the AFCI breakers are as good as the manufacturer's attest I think it is an excellent application. They should provide addition protection. But, caution should be used to address those home run circuits that commonly are used though.
But you should also look beyond simply instasling these breaskers just because you can By simply replacing 1p breakers with 1p afci breakers will cause you grief with home run shared neutral circuits. As such try to avoid opening up a can of worms.