AFCI /GFCI dual vs. AFCI Combo

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MFlo8

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Round Rock Texas
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Building Inspector
I am a building inspector and I am having an issue with dual AFCI /GFCI breakers. Where in code does it state “dual” is acceptable for combo afci? I have a builder who wants use them through out the home,but the receptacles trip with just a GFCI tester, can not find where GFCI accepted in other than wet areas, please advise. Thanks in advance
 
An afci/gfci breaker will trip if there is a ground fault or an afci. The afci part is rated as a combination parallel and series. They are perfectly compliant.

The code will not state that dual breakers are acceptable but if afci is required or gfci or both then this breaker is compliant
 
I know of nothing in the code that states going "above" codes minimum requirements is a violation. Adding AFCI or GFCI in an area not requiring is simply going above minimum. No different than using 12AWG on circuit that by all calculations would only require a 14AWG wire. However "requiring" someone to use a dual AFCI/GFCI when code only calls for one or the other would be overstepping the codes. In some ways Mfg is "pushing" use of these by availability of straight GFCI's or AFCI's in short supply, I've been able to get the dual locally but single type almost nonexistent.
 
When it comes to AFCI breakers dual function and combination are two different things. Dual function had AFCI and GFCI protection, combination does not.
 
MFlo8 said:
... can not find where GFCI accepted in other than wet areas, please advise. Thanks in advance
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There is no restriction on what circuits can be protected by a GFCI device. The code permits you to use GFCI protection on all of your circuits if you choose to do so.
 
MFlo8 said:
,but the receptacles trip with just a GFCI tester,
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Testers are interesting, but do recognize that the test button on the device is the only code compliant test. It's usually the other issue, a tester not tripping with just 2 wires (no ground), but it still applies.

Most AFCI devices have a procedure to show what condition resulted in a trip.

And recognize that SOME AFCI devices (some panel breakers, that is) don't include GFCI functionality.
 
So it seems to me that everybody’s on the same page with AFCI, are allowed and apparently GFCI‘s can be installed anywhere but it doesn’t say so in the book. It just seems odd that anytime you turn on your computer or a video game console or anything with a back up fan perhaps will trip your lights and your receptacles in the bedroom and the hallways, but I trust y’all because I’m not an electrican, thanks for the clarity on the subject.
 
Fred B said:
I know of nothing in the code that states going "above" codes minimum requirements is a violation. Adding AFCI or GFCI in an area not requiring is simply going above minimum. No different than using 12AWG on circuit that by all calculations would only require a 14AWG wire. However "requiring" someone to use a dual AFCI/GFCI when code only calls for one or the other would be overstepping the codes. In some ways Mfg is "pushing" use of these by availability of straight GFCI's or AFCI's in short supply, I've been able to get the dual locally but single type almost nonexistent.
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This was a number one complaint from the electrician his self that’s why I’m trying to get a clear answer.
 
MFlo8 said:
So it seems to me that everybody’s on the same page with AFCI, are allowed and apparently GFCI‘s can be installed anywhere but it doesn’t say so in the book. It just seems odd that anytime you turn on your computer or a video game console or anything with a back up fan perhaps will trip your lights and your receptacles in the bedroom and the hallways, but I trust y’all because I’m not an electrican, thanks for the clarity on the subject.
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A properly operating computer should not nuisance trip a GFCI protected circuit.
 
MFlo8 said:
So it seems to me that everybody’s on the same page with AFCI, are allowed and apparently GFCI‘s can be installed anywhere but it doesn’t say so in the book. ...
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The NEC is, in general a permissive code...that is if it does not tell you that you cannot, you can.
 
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