Does anyone know if any manufacturer has come with AFCI breakers suitable for backfeed? I have been told that Siemens makes them and that they have to be used in a Siemens panel, but I have not been able to locate them.
I can't help you, but I am very curious as to your application.
Why do you want or need to back feed an AFCI?
Thanks for the reminder. Senility is slowly kicking in:blink: I have an AHJ who insists that Siemens makes one, but as I am staring at the spec sheet with a drawing (P/N is Q215AFC), I can clearly see the words "load" and "line" on the drawing. I have a call in to Siemens tech support to specifically ask the question regarding suitability for back-feed.csoc64
Did you see all the responses the last time you asked about this subject? SolarPro's responses are pretty informative.
If you find any let us know.
OK, here is what I found. Siemens tech rep advised that "Siemens did not get a UL certification to approve our circuit breakers for reverse feed. However, solar component manufacturer, Enphase, had this testing done and has an appropriate UL certification. I have tried to attach UL letter if anyone is interested. Bottom line, Siemens QAF breakers are UL listed under UL 1741 for use with Enphase Model M250-60-2LL-S22 micro-inverters. View attachment UL Letter for reverse feed 2 pole AFCI from Enphase.pdfThanks for the reminder. Senility is slowly kicking in:blink: I have an AHJ who insists that Siemens makes one, but as I am staring at the spec sheet with a drawing (P/N is Q215AFC), I can clearly see the words "load" and "line" on the drawing. I have a call in to Siemens tech support to specifically ask the question regarding suitability for back-feed.
OK, here is what I found. Siemens tech rep advised that "Siemens did not get a UL certification to approve our circuit breakers for reverse feed. However, solar component manufacturer, Enphase, had this testing done and has an appropriate UL certification. I have tried to attach UL letter if anyone is interested. Bottom line, Siemens QAF breakers are UL listed under UL 1741 for use with Enphase Model M250-60-2LL-S22 micro-inverters. View attachment 11981
So the technical brief dated January 2015 indicates that "No UL standard for backfeed testing exists for AC AFCI circuit breakers." But the UL letter dated May 21st, 2014 indicates that a standard does exist (UL 1741). I am confused. One supports my case, the other doesn't.Enphase circulates this information about AFCI protection all the time...
http://enphase.com/global/files/Enphase_NEC_2014_Compliance.pdf
They never advise using Siemens AFCI with their inverters according to that test.
So the technical brief dated January 2015 indicates that "No UL standard for backfeed testing exists for AC AFCI circuit breakers." But the UL letter dated May 21st, 2014 indicates that a standard does exist (UL 1741). I am confused. One supports my case, the other doesn't.