beanland
Senior Member
- Location
- Vancouver, WA
I was quite flabbergasted when I read in the EC&M Code Watch "An expansion of AFCI protection in dwellings to include all 120V, 15A, and 20A branch circuits" was proposed by NEMA for the 2008 NEC. I can see where manufacturer's of AFCI will profit immensely and since NEMA is the manufacturers, this all makes sense. But, all AFCI are microprocessor-based devices that rely on computer code to make their decisions. Every manufacturer has their own implementation of computer code to look for arc signatures. I have read many posts dealing with the challenge of finding the cause of an AFCI trip. I also read that AFCI are not a mature technology (not until 2008?) in that they cannot detect all of the arcs that cause fires. I have personally dealt with AFCI devices that nuisance trip. UL has a program to test AFCI to prove they operate on specific events that are meant to simulate real world arcs. However, manufacturers are not required to update their UL certification every time they change the code that the microprocessor uses to detect arcs. UL does not include a program to prove that AFCI do not operate for non-arc activity. Is anyone aware of any activity to sample manufacturers AFCI breakers and test them for nuisance tripping by plugging in an operating a wide variety of appliances such as vacuum cleaners, electric drills, dimmed lights, electric toasters? Perhaps Consumers Reports could perform such a test so we can know whether the AFCI technology is finally becoming mature enough to mandate its use. Otherwise, I see mandated installation of an immature technology as a profit center for manufacturers and a nuisance for everyone else.
