afci type??

[bb_becker]

This is more a ?
I would like to ask
I have a new home " " now this home has 3 bedrooms ,2 bathrooms 1 kitchen and so on.
2 bedrooms have a 12/3 as a line (to different circuits sharing the same neutral) (phase "a"=n of out lets --- phase "b"=n of out lets ) (phase "a" bedroom1--- phase "b" bedroom2)

Now the question is: Can we install on the circuit panel a AFCI type of breakers for this 2 particular branch circuits?

 

[JohnJ0906]

This is more a ?
I would like to ask
I have a new home " " now this home has 3 bedrooms ,2 bathrooms 1 kitchen and so on.
2 bedrooms have a 12/3 as a line (to different circuits sharing the same neutral) (phase "a"=n of out lets --- phase "b"=n of out lets ) (phase "a" bedroom1--- phase "b" bedroom2)

Now the question is: Can we install on the circuit panel a AFCI type of breakers for this 2 particular branch circuits?

You will not be able to use single pole AFCIs. They require separate grounded conductors. You will have to use a 2 pole AFCI. I don't think all manufacturers make them.

 

[iwire]

I would use a single pole AFCI for each 12/3 and jump the red and black together to the same breaker.

No reason a single 20 amp circuit can not supply the lights and receptacles in a bedroom.

 

[SPARKS40]

You will not be able to use single pole AFCIs. They require separate grounded conductors. You will have to use a 2 pole AFCI. I don't think all manufacturers make them.

John,

2-pole arc fault breakers?? Who manufactures those?? I have yet to see them. Also, i would think that you would have the same issue that you would using a MWBC that is GFCI protected. Shared neutral can cause nuisance tripping. I would also appreciate an explanation of how you can have a "2 pole AFCI with "separate" "grounded" conductors, which would indicate TWO circuits, not a MWBC. The "grounded" conductor would be your neutral.....

 

[al hildenbrand]

2-pole arc fault breakers?? Who manufactures those??

In the branch feeder, Cutler Hammer, Siemens & GE. The combination AFCI is available in single pole, only, at present.

The question to bb_becker is whether that jurisdiction requires combination or branch feeder AFCI.

I would also appreciate an explanation of how you can have a "2 pole AFCI with "separate" "grounded" conductors, which would indicate TWO circuits, not a MWBC. The "grounded" conductor would be your neutral.....

When the two neutrals are wirenutted together and a pigtail is connected from the wirenut to the neutral load terminal of a two pole AFCI (or GFCI), the pigtail is a "shared neutral" making the whole setup a multiwire branch circuit.

 

[76nemo]

I would use a single pole AFCI for each 12/3 and jump the red and black together to the same breaker.

No reason a single 20 amp circuit can not supply the lights and receptacles in a bedroom.

Notice Bob said "jump" to the breaker. Most breakers are rated for one conductor only and not double tapped.

 

[stickboy1375]

Notice Bob said "jump" to the breaker. Most breakers are rated for one conductor only and not double tapped.

Dont worry, the Home Inspectors always find that violation.