AFCI Types

[czars]

2017 NEC 210.12 identifies a "listed branch/feeder type" AFCI and a listed "branch circuit type" AFCI. Is the listed branch/feeder type AFCI the type installed in a service panel and the branch circuit type AFCI the type that can be installed as a receptacle?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I think what you are getting at is the combination of a special afci breaker along with a special afci receptacle. I don't know why they offer that and I am not sure where to get them if they are available.

210.12(A)(1) is the afci breaker for the panel

 

[czars]

Since the terms are not defined in the NEC it is not easy to figure out what they are trying to say or exactly what devices are to be used.

 

[tom baker]

And some of those devices were never available

 

[curt swartz]

The branch circuit and feeder AFCI was the original version of AFCI's required prior to 2008.

I don't understand why the NEC provides the option of using a using a branch circuit/feeder AFCI with an AFCI branch device (receptacle) except for possibly old circuits that already have B/F AFCI breakers. It would not make sense to find and install a new B/F AFCI breaker when the cost is the same or more than a current combination AFCI breaker.