Difference Between Branch Feeder and Combination Type AFCI's

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DanS26

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Found this explanation on the Siemens site:

"What is the difference between Branch Feeder and Combination Type AFCI?



Both branch feeder and combination AFCIs provide conventional thermal and

magnetic overcurrent protection as well as high current or “parallel” arcing fault

detection and fire mitigation for installed wiring and connected cords. The

combination AFCI has the added benefit of enhanced detection of persistent low

current or “series” arcing faults which mitigate fire hazards in cords connected to

outlets."


I have a problem with a Combination Type AFCI on a circuit with a lot of electronics. Just wondering if anyone else out there has encountered the same problem? It appears that the tripping occurs when the electronics go into sleep mode or meet the definition of "persistent low current" programmed into the CAFCI

Please no flaming the AFCI.....I don't want this thread to turn into a bitching session. I already know what most of you guys think of the devices.

I going to try to swap out the problem CAFCI with a Branch Feeder type to see if the problem goes away.






 
The only difference is that the combination AFCI looks for 5 amp series arcing which would be classified as a break in between the load, such as hot to hot or neutral to neutral arcing across a severed gap. Branch feeder AFCIs only look for 75amps and over arcing hot to neutral and hot to ground which is in parallel with the load.


BTW... the language :ashamed1: This place is family friendly :hug:
 
kwired said:
Can you even purchase branch feeder type anymore?
Click to expand...

I have a few of the branch feeder type on hand.

I did the swap and it seems to be holding. So my only conclusion is that there is something in the current signature in the electronics that the CAFCI does not like.

I also swapped the old CAFCI with a new CAFCI of the same amps, but it tripped also.
 
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