AFCI's in the Workshop

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

nbritton

Member
After reading up on the 2008 NEC, it appears that AFCIs will basically be mandatory for all branch circuits soon... I'm all for safety (I love GFCIs)... but how well do these devices work in a workshop environment?

For example, my basement workshop has a MIG welder, spot welder, air compressor, lathe, mill, drill press, etc.

After reading up on how AFCIs work, it sounds like I'd be tripping them all the time... Does anyone know if you can run a welder or high-amp motor off an AFCI protected circuit?
 
nbritton said:
For example, my basement workshop has a MIG welder, spot welder, air compressor, lathe, mill, drill press, etc.
Click to expand...

Are all those items 125 volt 15 or 20 amp?

AFCIs are only required for 15 and 20 amp 125 volt circuits.

There have been some reports of AFCIs having trouble with vacuum cleaner motors and I have no idea how an AFCI would deal with a welder.
 
iwire said:
Are all those items 125 volt 15 or 20 amp?

AFCIs are only required for 15 and 20 amp 125 volt circuits.

There have been some reports of AFCIs having trouble with vacuum cleaner motors and I have no idea how an AFCI would deal with a welder.
Click to expand...

Yes, the MIG welder I picked up at the local home improvement store, it's designed for a standard 20 amp 120 volt outlet. The air compressor and chop saw also need a 20 amp circuit. I could convert some of the motors to 240v but that's more work then I care to do. The workshop has it's own 50 amp sub panel.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top