Afci/Gfci Multi-wire circuits
- Thread starter linn
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bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Afci/Gfci Multi-wire circuits
I don't beleive there are any afci receptacles on the market yet, but they do exist. GFCI receptacles can be served from a multiwire branch circuit, however, a multiwire branch circuit can't be served from a single-pole gfci or afci circuit breaker.
I don't beleive there are any afci receptacles on the market yet, but they do exist. GFCI receptacles can be served from a multiwire branch circuit, however, a multiwire branch circuit can't be served from a single-pole gfci or afci circuit breaker.
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Re: Afci/Gfci Multi-wire circuits
If you are stuck in a situation where you need to GFCI or AFCI protect a multiwire circuit, you have the option to use very expensive 2-pole GFCI and AFCI breakers.
If you are stuck in a situation where you need to GFCI or AFCI protect a multiwire circuit, you have the option to use very expensive 2-pole GFCI and AFCI breakers.
aelectricalman
Senior Member
- Location
- KY
Re: Afci/Gfci Multi-wire circuits
I feel fairly certain that they will never allow AFCI's to become a receptacle in a dwelling unit. The point of the AFCI is to be installed at the origin of the branch circuit or feeder, such as at a panelboard, where it can function to de-energize the entire branch circuit when an unwanted arc is detected. If the AFCI becomes available to use as a plug, then what happens to the feed in coming from the panel to the AFCI receptacle? It is not AFCI protected!
I feel fairly certain that they will never allow AFCI's to become a receptacle in a dwelling unit. The point of the AFCI is to be installed at the origin of the branch circuit or feeder, such as at a panelboard, where it can function to de-energize the entire branch circuit when an unwanted arc is detected. If the AFCI becomes available to use as a plug, then what happens to the feed in coming from the panel to the AFCI receptacle? It is not AFCI protected!
aelectricalman
Senior Member
- Location
- KY
Re: Afci/Gfci Multi-wire circuits
Im not saying they don't exist or can't be used in certain situations. Im just saying I doubt the NEC would ever allow it in a new dwelling unit as a primary source of AF Protection.
[ January 24, 2005, 08:43 PM: Message edited by: aelectricalman ]
Im not saying they don't exist or can't be used in certain situations. Im just saying I doubt the NEC would ever allow it in a new dwelling unit as a primary source of AF Protection.
[ January 24, 2005, 08:43 PM: Message edited by: aelectricalman ]
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Afci/Gfci Multi-wire circuits
An AFCI will be permitted by the 2005 NEC. Take a look, you will be permitted to use up to 6 ft of a metallic wiring method to a receptacle without AFCI protection. This opens up the ability for the AFCI receptacle to be used. By the way, I think it has already been built but it is not on the market.
An AFCI will be permitted by the 2005 NEC. Take a look, you will be permitted to use up to 6 ft of a metallic wiring method to a receptacle without AFCI protection. This opens up the ability for the AFCI receptacle to be used. By the way, I think it has already been built but it is not on the market.
aelectricalman
Senior Member
- Location
- KY
Re: Afci/Gfci Multi-wire circuits
I figured if it did become permisable there would be some restrictions. Like you stated, 6'. I guess they allowed this provision just for the reason of permitting receptacles huh. Cool.
I figured if it did become permisable there would be some restrictions. Like you stated, 6'. I guess they allowed this provision just for the reason of permitting receptacles huh. Cool.
Re: Afci/Gfci Multi-wire circuits
I contacted the people at Leviton and Hubble,neither one is making an AFCI receptacle at this time.
I also understand that there is a certain amount of controversay pertaining to the effectivness of the AFCI breakers themselves.
I believe they may have put them out there as a requirement before they did enough R&D.
I contacted the people at Leviton and Hubble,neither one is making an AFCI receptacle at this time.
I also understand that there is a certain amount of controversay pertaining to the effectivness of the AFCI breakers themselves.
I believe they may have put them out there as a requirement before they did enough R&D.
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Afci/Gfci Multi-wire circuits
Check with P&S, I believe they have one developed. I don't know if it is listed yet though.
Check with P&S, I believe they have one developed. I don't know if it is listed yet though.
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