knob and tubing wiring/ AFCI breakers

[bigjohn67]

I recently ran into a situation where the insurance company of a home required that the owner have AFCI Breakers installed on all circuits as required by code. Well problem is that the house is wired in Knob and tubing. Tried to explain to the homeowner that a complete rewire would have to be performed to acheive this.
The owner thought I was only trying to up-sell them because our company uses a flat rate system which makes us just as much a salesman as an electrician. Tried to explain to them how the knob and tubing system in their house uses shared neutrals. Thus the breakers would not work.
Any advise?

 

[al hildenbrand]

Re: knob and tubing wiring/ AFCI breakers

The client needs to change insurance carriers.

 

[bennie]

Re: knob and tubing wiring/ AFCI breakers

I agree with Al. This insurance agent must have a brother who is a contractor and needs work, or he has bought a lot of hot AFCIs

 

[tom baker]

Re: knob and tubing wiring/ AFCI breakers

Cutler Hammer has an 2 pole AFCI that will work with 3 wire circuits.
Otherwise you are correct the AFCI will not work.

 

[physis]

Re: knob and tubing wiring/ AFCI breakers

I was thinking exactly what Al and Bennie said when I was reading this. My car insurance company hasn't asked me to install an air bag in my van.