Have my new 200 amp panel in now. Looks great.
I want to put the AFCI's in for all the habitable rooms.
Are the QO Combination AFCI's enough to meet code?
Or do I need something else?
I don't want to install these if they are not up to date.
Thank for your time.
Joe,Combination AFCI/GFCI? I would think so. We use CH, but we will be using their combos wherever we can or need to.
Joe,
Be careful about your terminology.
A combo AFCI has both series and parallel arc detection and may or may not have a GFCI function.
A dual function AFCI includes both combo AFCI and GFCI functions.
@ Joe Cool - the installation of AFCI's in all habitable rooms is obviously a choice you have to make. However, the NEC also requires them on circuit that supply spaces that are not considered habitable so in that thinking you would violate the NEC directive of being a minimum safety standard. Remove the arguments people have about "IF" they work....fact is code requires them...so with that said....here is where the are required in terms of the 2014 National Electrical Code.
(A) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and
20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed
in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining
rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms,
sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas,
or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by any of
the means described in 210.12(A)(1) through (6):
Then you have a number of ways to comply....in (A)(1) through (A)(6)
If the device says "combination AFCI" then you are compliant in terms of the device.....as long as it protects the circuits that supply the locations defined in the information above.
Were any of the existing MWBCs? They will cause you grief, that and past electricians habit of tying all the whites together in every j-box.
The last service change we did, my guys used the AFCI or combo AFCI/GFCI where they would be required now. They let the CBs indicate if they had a problem with the circuit. Two faulted so they chased down the problems on those circuits and informed the owner what to watch for incase others tripped later. I haven't decided if that was being lazy or smart.
You just need to use AFCI breakers. The latest generation are "combination" and protect against series and parallel arcs. The "dual function" breakers are handy for new requirements for things like dishwashers that need AFCI and GFCI and have the GFCI readily accessible.
Don't worry about the conduit to the first outlet thing. That is if you want to use one the new AFCI plugs instead of a breaker.