fire place ignitor trips AFCI

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Arc Fault Test Question

Arc Fault Test Question

Do You Need Arc Fault Protection For A Jacuzzi Tub 120 Volt And Also Do You Need It For A Window A.C. 240 Volt Both Located In A Bedroom?
 
AFCI protection is not required for 240 volt circuits.
(B) Dwelling Unit Bedrooms All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.
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Nick,
440.65 applies to the manufacturer of the AC unit. It does not apply to the installer. In my opinion this section does not even belong in the NEC. It belongs in the equipment standard.
Don
 
Is there a sink nearby? A Jacuzi would normally be considered part of a bathroom, even if it's in the same physical room as the master bedroom. Article 100 defines a bathroom as an "area" as follows:

Bathroom. An area including a basin with one or more of the following: a toilet, a tub, or a shower.
 
NICK D said:
A Jacuzzi Tub Receptacle Is Not Readily Accessible Does It Still Need Arc Fault?
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Nick

210.12(B) Dwelling Unit Bedrooms All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination type installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.
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There are no exceptions for outlets that are not readily accessible.

Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.
 
Doesn't a Jacuzzi also fall under Article 680 where it would be required to have gfci protection in addition to afci protection when installed in a bedroom?
 
ron said:
In order for the igniter to do its job, doesn't it arc? I would think that the AFCI would see the igniter as a arc fault and open as it should.
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I don't think that arc is sustained enough (or of high enough current) to tick off the arc-fault-sensing portion of the AFCI. It is more likely triggering the GFPE portion of the breaker, IMO.
 
In my opinion the AFCI is simply detecting the arc from the ignitor as a fault, thus causing the tripping. Just like wires arcing, it's doing its job.

Here is a possible solution. Install a new circuit and place a 10 AMP breaker on it. Only 15 and 20 AMP circuits require AFCI protection. I believe Square D still makes them along with some other manufactures.
 
Just bear in mind, 210.52 calls for 15A & 20A receptacles for wall space. If the circuit is supplying wall space receptacles, a 10A breaker is not an option. :)
 
georgestolz said:
I don't think that arc is sustained enough (or of high enough current) to tick off the arc-fault-sensing portion of the AFCI. It is more likely triggering the GFPE portion of the breaker, IMO.
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I agree, IMO a GFCI would trip if it was installed to supply this fireplace.
 
Wasn`t this a long winded thread not to long ago.In which there was a gas fireplace in a bedroom and the question was should it be required to be AFCI protected.I contended that since the receptacle was not in the bed room but in the wall that was not accesible no AFCI was required.I remember there were alot of pros and cons to that idea but none definitive.
 
sparky_magoo said:
Can anyone explain to me why a fire place ignitor reqiures AFCI protection?

The obvious answer is for me to put the fire place ignitor on another ckt. The inspector won't buy off on this. The house is already rocked. The inspecptor sez I must make the ignitor work on the AFCI ckt. My boss sez I must finish by Monday. I have other issues I must finish Monday. This is a custom house with many change orders.

I have all change orders under control except for the fire place ignitor.

What is a poor electrician to do?
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Its Tuesday so this may be too late...
But I'm curious.... run an extension cord to the fireplace from the master bath GFCI. does it still trip?
Either way pass the buck to the manufacturer & say the unit is defective. Your wiring is good & to code. If it was the flat panel TV tripping the AFCI then what would you do? I consider them both appliances & I don't service appliances.
Is you Boss a Master License? Either way, tell him I said he's an !*#hole for not assisting you.
 
So you're required to have all receptacles in the Master Suite on an AFCI per your inspector. Fine. Give to inspection report to the H.O. and tell them you've installed the electrical per code and to contact the inspector if they have further questions.
 
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