Arc Fault

Status
Not open for further replies.
Re: Arc Fault

It is also my understanding that based on the 5 amp threshold of the newer Combination type AFCI, the cord of the utilization equipment that is plugged into the receptacle will also receive some kind of protection.
 
Re: Arc Fault

based on a 5 amp threshold, it would seem that the cord of a vacume being plugged in while it is on would trip the breaker.
 
Re: Arc Fault

Pierre,
It is also my understanding that based on the 5 amp threshold of the newer Combination type AFCI, the cord of the utilization equipment that is plugged into the receptacle will also receive some kind of protection.
Click to expand...
That is the promise, but they said the same thing about the original AFCIs when they tried to get them into the 1996 code.
Don
 
Re: Arc Fault

Pierre,
Could it be that this time more testing was performed and maybe they will perform as described?
Click to expand...
I hope that you are correct, but given the track record, I would really doubt it. I think that the reason that they are not yet on the market is that they haven't been able to make them work as promised. The code making panel accepted this change when there wasn't even a product available for evaluation.
Don
 
Re: Arc Fault

I know that there are many out there who detest the thought of AFCIs. I for one am a trusting soul, so I will not say it cannot be done until I see it cannot be done. Technology is moving quickly, so lets see what we shall see.
But if they do not work, I will join the wagons and circle round.
 
Re: Arc Fault

Originally posted by jbwhite:
based on a 5 amp threshold, it would seem that the cord of a vacume being plugged in while it is on would trip the breaker.
Click to expand...
One of the more versed members can answer this more correctly, but I'll take a swing and a miss. :D

No, it just means that the point at which the AFCI begins to examine the arc signature is at 5 amps. So, yes, it will examine the nature of the load when you turn a 12 amp vacuum on, but it will only trip if the vacuum's signature matches one that it was designed to trip for.

Right now, AFCI's are set to an arc current of 75 amps, so there's got to be some serious bump and grind going on for an arc to arouse the circuitry of an AFCI. Most of the quick tripping we experience in the field today is the result of the (30 mA?) GFCI protection that comes in the same breaker.

Edit to add:
The arc from plugging a load into a receptacle is probably just like flipping a switch, to a degree. I sure hope this type of load is accounted for when the new ones come out. I think the arcs have to be a bit more sustained in duration to tick off the AFCI.

[ December 20, 2005, 08:07 AM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
 
Re: Arc Fault

Originally posted by georgestolz:
Most of the quick tripping we experience in the field today is the result of the (30 mA?) GFCI protection that comes in the same breaker.
Click to expand...
I assume you are referring to the combo AFCI/GFCI breakers. I'm curious how often the industry experts (you guys who actually get calls) see nuisance trips of plain AFCIs.
The arc from plugging a load into a receptacle is probably just like flipping a switch, to a degree. I sure hope this type of load is accounted for when the new ones come out. I think the arcs have to be a bit more sustained in duration to tick off the AFCI.
Click to expand...
From personal experience I have seen tripping on start-up of tools like compound miter saws, I assume from the arc of the brushes.
 
Re: Arc Fault

Mike,
I assume you are referring to the combo AFCI/GFCI breakers.
Click to expand...
All AFCIs have a 30 to 50mA ground fault trip. This is not the same as the 4-6mA that would be found in a AFCI/GFCI combination.
Don
 
Re: Arc Fault

Pierre,
I know that there are many out there who detest the thought of AFCIs. I for one am a trusting soul, so I will not say it cannot be done until I see it cannot be done.
Click to expand...
Had they not used so much misinformation and deception to get AFCIs into the NEC, I would be more trusting. At this point I don't really believe any AFCI information that is provided by the manufacturers.
Don

[ December 20, 2005, 11:22 AM: Message edited by: don_resqcapt19 ]
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top