GE cafci breakers compatible with MWBC’s?

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KronikT

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Colorado
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Electrical contractor
I am involved in a remodel project and the existing wiring is utilizing multi wire branch circuits. I need to provide arc fault protection for a number of circuits either because I’m changing the devices, extending them more than 6’ or they’re getting repurposed. The panel and breakers are GE. I think I read somewhere that GE cafci breakers will work on MWBC’s.
Any real world experience to back that up?
Is there any AFCI devices I’m not aware of that will work? Any helpful input is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
KronikT said:
I am involved in a remodel project and the existing wiring is utilizing multi wire branch circuits. I need to provide arc fault protection for a number of circuits either because I’m changing the devices, extending them more than 6’ or they’re getting repurposed. The panel and breakers are GE. I think I read somewhere that GE cafci breakers will work on MWBC’s.
Any real world experience to back that up?
Is there any AFCI devices I’m not aware of that will work? Any helpful input is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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Do they not make a double pole AFCI 20amp?

Remember you can always field install an afci protection receptacle at the head of the line.
 
KronikT said:
Will an afci device work on a mwbc?
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Some will, but not all...you have to carefully review the manufacturer's instructions. However if you need both AFCI and GFCI protection, you will need a double pole dual function device.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Some will, but not all...you have to carefully review the manufacturer's instructions. However if you need both AFCI and GFCI protection, you will need a double pole dual function device.
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Do you have a lead as to where I would get a compatible device or do you know which brand will work
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Some will, but not all...you have to carefully review the manufacturer's instructions. However if you need both AFCI and GFCI protection, you will need a double pole dual function device.
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Will a dual function breaker work on a mwbc? I was under the impression that ground fault protection could not be provided by a breaker on a mwbc? Am I wrong? I’d be fine with that if I am
 
letgomywago said:
Only after you separate the 2 sides at the end. They do not work like a 2 pole afci breaker. Pretend it's a regular gfi device they work and function similarly.
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Can you clarify for me what you mean by separate the two side? Are you saying to keep phase a hot with the neautral on a afci device at first spot then b phase with neutral on afci device at first spot then keep the neutrals separate maybe? Even though their not really?
 
KronikT said:
Will a dual function breaker work on a mwbc? I was under the impression that ground fault protection could not be provided by a breaker on a mwbc? Am I wrong? I’d be fine with that if I am
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They make 2 pole gfi breakers. A hot tub is an example of a multiwire circuit so long as there is no more than 5 miliamps (+1-) leaking to ground or another circuit. No dualfunction breakers are able to work on a multiwire circuit they aren't manufactured.
 
KronikT said:
Can you clarify for me what you mean by separate the two side? Are you saying to keep phase a hot with the neautral on a afci device at first spot then b phase with neutral on afci device at first spot then keep the neutrals separate maybe? Even though their not really?
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This is an issue in Canada where they used 14-3 and split the hots on duplex outlets for kitchen circuits. You'd need to have the multiwire line side neutral pigtailed between the 2 devices and then the loads would need separate to their corresponding device.
 
letgomywago said:
This is an issue in Canada where they used 14-3 and split the hots on duplex outlets for kitchen circuits. You'd need to have the multiwire line side neutral pigtailed between the 2 devices and then the loads would need separate to their corresponding device.
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So first receptacle phase a is utilized at the line side neutral ties on to first phase b receptacle then pigtailed to line side terminal load neutral to load terminal. Same thing at first phase b receptacle except no need for pigtail line side neutral lands right on line terminal? Am I following?
 
KronikT said:
What are you getting at with this photo? Are you suggesting this would work instead of single poles with handle ties? I don’t think my inspector will did that Eaton breaker in a ge panel…
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Sorry, I thought I had added comments.

There are a few companies making 2-pole versions for use with MWBC.

If you can't make a GE work, it may be time for a panel swap to Eaton or Siemens...or time to beg AJH for an exception to use what's available
 
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