AFCI Combination Device

[donselec]

This may sound like a dumb question but I'm new to the forum and haven't come across it yet. Does the afci "combination" device mean that it's a device that provides a combination of afci protection with over-current protection? Or does "combination" mean something else? Also is there anything that provides afci with gfci protection in a breaker? Thx in advance.

 

[iwire]

Check out Don's post here

 

[oldcrow]

Just an additional note. AFCI's, branch feeder, as made today include 30mA GF protection. These devices today must pass UL tests down to 5Amps and DO protect extension cords that have ground conductors. The combination device not only has the 30mA gf protection and the parallel AFCI arc detection but also implements algorythms to detect 5A arcing most commonly found in extension cords.

Some people mistakenly think that a combination device is a 5mA GF protection/AFCI device. Although these are currently on the market, they are not combination type AFCI.

If you really want to know exactly what a combination device is, get a copy of UL 1699. go to www.ul.com. You may be able to get a copy. This may really help you understand.

 

[iwire]

The combination device not only has the 30mA gf protection and the parallel AFCI arc detection but also implements algorythms to detect 5A arcing most commonly found in extension cords.

At least that is what we are being told, if it is true is yet to be shown.

One thing that is a fact is that the 2008 NEC AFCI requirements are a cash cow for the very people that pushed for the rule change.

 

[brian john]

Just for the record I know little and nothing about AFCI's, BUT I thought the combination was headache and heartache?

Does anyone know if the Main CB AFCI as is utilized in the UK was ever given consideration?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Brian,

Does anyone know if the Main CB AFCI as is utilized in the UK was ever given consideration?

I don't think that they use a main AFCI in the UK. The device is a RCD (Residual Current Devices) and is really a type of GFCI. It has a trip point of between 30 and 50 mA. Based on what I know about the AFCI, I expect that if all of the cords and equipment had EGCs, then the RCD would be about as effective as the AFCI is claimed to be.
Don

 

[oldcrow]

Does anyone know if the Main CB AFCI as is utilized in the UK was ever given consideration?

You wouldn't want a main as an AFCI. If there is arcing on any one feeder and it takes out the main, besides losing power to the house trying to figure out which circuit has the problem would be a nightmare.