ARC FAULT /GFI protection

[Mr.Smith]

I have a couple kitchen remodel jobs that have a 12/3 romex being supplied for the 2 small appliance branch circuits on a 2pole gfi breaker. The jobs are obviously older and did not require AFI/GFI protection at the time of wiring, code now calls for that protection and has failed for this. What kind of solution do you have? They are square D QO panels which they do not make a 2pole arc FAULT/GFI breaker yet, or do they?? Or am I going to have to have another 2 wire ran somehow??? Thank you in advance to any suggestions on this matter.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Just install an afci at the first receptacle and then one at the next one on the other circuit. If you haven't moved the wires this should not be an issue.

You could also install a 2 gang and put an afci receptacle for each one.

Are you sure Sq. D doesn't have a afci/gfci? Is this a homeline??? or Sq.D regular panel?

 

[readydave8]

QO220CAFIC seems to be double-pole arc fault, and use GFCI receptacles?

 

[JFletcher]

Welcome to The Forum.

QO220CAFIC seems to be double-pole arc fault, and use GFCI receptacles?

That or combination arc fault ground-fault receptacles. That breaker and two gfcis cost roughly double of what two combination receptacles cost.

 

[Gene B]

That or combination arc fault ground-fault receptacles. That breaker and two gfcis cost roughly double of what two combination receptacles cost.

Note that if the receptacles alternate circuits, you would need to run new wire between the receptacles.

 

[romex jockey]

Yet another option would be a two cir GE can outside the SqD one>

http://apps.geindustrial.com/publibrary/checkout/DEQ-234?TNR=FAQs|DEQ-234|PDF&filename=DEQ-234.PDF

http://apps.geindustrial.com/publib...lename=DET-719 CAFCI Shared Neutral Guide.pdf

~RJ

 

[al hildenbrand]

Note that if the receptacles alternate circuits, you would need to run new wire between the receptacles.

To avoid fishing in new wire between receptacles, one can just place more GFCI receptacles, as needed. One weighs the cost of fishing new wiring and collateral damage repair against the time and material for putting in a GFCI receptacle in a crowded box. Of course custom colors of devices and plates become even more problematic.

I agree with those above that suggest, that in combination with receptacle type GFCIs, changing out the Sq D two-pole GFCI breaker for a Sq D two-pole combination type AFCI breaker. That multiwire branch circuit is proven as stable on a class A GFCI (5 milliamp trip) so there will be no trouble at all with the ground fault sensing component in the Sq D CAFCI (approx. 60 milliamp trip).

Dennis' suggestion in post #2 is a good alternative that makes use of 2017 NEC 210.12(D) Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications -- Dwelling Units and Dormitory Units. If the two pole GFCI Breaker multiwire homerun is left undisturbed, and is then broken into the pair of two-wire small appliance branch circuits, just place a pair of Outlet Branch Circuit (OBC) AFCI receptacles at those "first outlets," the beginning of the two-wire modifications or extensions.

 

[ramsy]

code now calls for that protection and has failed for this..

What inspector knows an AFCI from GFCI, much less which are needed in kitchens?

More like inspector didn't see reset buttons at counter tops, and never considered the fuse box.

 

[ramsy]

Following code, putting AFCI's & GFCI where they are required by law, prevents your work from voiding insurance claims, and protects everybody from liability, regardless of incompetent inspectors, or effectiveness of AFCI's preventing fires.