AFCI Feeder to subpanel

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

Rex Hungerford

Member
Location
Seattle
Occupation
Electrician
If I were to use a large frame breaker with AFCI functionality and feed a subpanel with that breaker, would I not need individual AFCI breakers per branch out of the subpanel. All branches would be protected by the main feeder?
 
No you wouldn't but where would you find such a breaker. And if the main had arc fault then the slightest issue would cause the entire panel to cutoff. Bad idea, IMO
 
Dennis Alwon said:
No you wouldn't but where would you find such a breaker. And if the main had arc fault then the slightest issue would cause the entire panel to cutoff. Bad idea, IMO
Click to expand...
Also if you had a fault that did not open a regular branch breaker but only opened that AFCI main it would probably be a booger to trouble shoot and locate the individual branch circuit causing the problem. Or would it work like that?
 
The subpanel only has 4 branches utilizing GHB1020 breakers. All the runs are exposed to dedicated equipment. I have seen 125A feeders with AFCI functionality. That would work for my purpose. Thanks
 
While there are provisions to permit upstream protection where GFCI is required, there is no such provision for AFCI protection, probably because there are no AFCI feeder breakers on the market.
 
Rex Hungerford said:
The subpanel only has 4 branches utilizing GHB1020 breakers. All the runs are exposed to dedicated equipment. I have seen 125A feeders with AFCI functionality. That would work for my purpose. Thanks
Click to expand...
I don't believe that any such AFCI breakers exist. Can you post the manufacturer and model number?
 
I thought I saw one for use in Europe. I have been looking this afternoon and cant find any for the USA market. I guess that ends that question.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top