- Location
- Tennessee NEC:2017
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrician
I finally got to prove to myself whether a newer AFCI had any GFI components in it or not. In particular an Eaton/Cutler-Hammer. I wired a small cabin that someone had started and left. I ran all new conductors except where they had tongue-n-groove wall and ceiling, and all that was in it was switch legs. I put in a dual function AFCI/GFCI on most circuits to keep from having to add GFCI receptacles. On one circuit the DF breaker wouldn't set. I traced the circuit down and confirmed it was a neutral to EGC fault. I narrowed it down to between a switch and light. Of course it was in an area that had the T&G ceiling and wall. I couldn't abandon the switch leg and light as it was the first in line of two lights. Before I was going to ask the customer to take out the T&G material, I thought I would try something.
Since it was only a neutral to EGC fault I decided to try just a stand alone AFCI. I put it in and it held. The circuit had two outdoor receptacles so I just installed GFCI receptacles for them. So it seems that at least GE and Eaton have removed the GFPE from their AFCI. That's the only plus that I can find with AFCIs!
Since it was only a neutral to EGC fault I decided to try just a stand alone AFCI. I put it in and it held. The circuit had two outdoor receptacles so I just installed GFCI receptacles for them. So it seems that at least GE and Eaton have removed the GFPE from their AFCI. That's the only plus that I can find with AFCIs!
