There is no such thing as an AFCI Tester

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iwire

iwire

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Location
Massachusetts
While checking into a AFCI question I came across some interesting info.

There is no such thing as an AFCI tester, only AFCI indicators. :shock:

Check out this article from the IAEI, (International Association Of Electrical Inspectors)

http://www.iaei.org/magazine/05_c/pauley.htm

Here is the last paragraph of the Article

Summary
The bottom line is that the test button on the AFCI is the only recognized method for testing the proper operation of the AFCI. An AFCI indicator may be a nice way to determine if a particular circuit is connected to an AFCI, but it provides no definitive answer on whether an AFCI is properly working or not.
Click to expand...
Anyone here spend good money on a 'Tester' only to find it is an 'Indicator'?

Why is it that all things AFCI associated are questionable? :mad:
 
iwire

iwire

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Location
Massachusetts
Re: There is no such thing as an AFCI Tester

Thanks Ryan and I now have anger in my heart.

I am lost as to how they can market it as a tester when it is listed as an indicator.
 
P

pierre

Senior Member
Location
Westchester County, New York
Re: There is no such thing as an AFCI Tester

It would seem that UL may have some discrepancies... I do not understand how this can be, but I know that all parties are scrambling to protect themselves by taking stances that confuse the heck out of us. My big question is, will we ever know the whole truth?
It never ceases to amaze me how money can twist situations so.

Imagine the clammer when it is all said and done.
 
B

bphgravity

Senior Member
Location
Florida
Re: There is no such thing as an AFCI Tester

Originally posted by iwire:

Why is it that all things AFCI associated are questionable? :mad:
Click to expand...
I wonder the same thing... I recently posted a topic on the "Do The Right Thing" brochure by Cutler Hammer that full of what I would call misleading information. That, the recent Square D recall and this issue with the "indicators" is really giving AFCI's a bad start.

I am vewry curious as to where the code goes with AFCI requirements for the 2008 NEC. :eek:
 
don_resqcapt19

don_resqcapt19

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Staff member
Location
Illinois
Occupation
retired electrician
Re: There is no such thing as an AFCI Tester

Why would anyone need a tester for a device that does not serve any real purpose??? :D
Don
 
busman

busman

Senior Member
Location
Northern Virginia
Occupation
Master Electrician / Electrical Engineer
Re: There is no such thing as an AFCI Tester

In my state (Commonwealth of Virginia actually), we are still on the 1999 code and I am convinced that it is because of the AFCI mess. We might just stay this way forever (PLEASE). Its just a shame that there are some other good changes in the newer codes that I can't justify because they are not in effect.

Mark
 
roger

roger

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Fl
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Retired Electrician
Re: There is no such thing as an AFCI Tester

Mark, under the 99 NEC, bedroom receptacles are required to be AFCI protected, this went into effect on 1-1-2002.


Roger

[ November 13, 2005, 05:12 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
petersonra

petersonra

Senior Member
Location
Northern illinois
Occupation
engineer
Re: There is no such thing as an AFCI Tester

they could fix this with a single line amendment. if enough jurisdictions did it, the cmps would get the message.
 
busman

busman

Senior Member
Location
Northern Virginia
Occupation
Master Electrician / Electrical Engineer
Re: There is no such thing as an AFCI Tester

Roger,

You are correct. I don't see much of this because I have been doing service work for the last few years. Thanks for the catch. Re-learn something new every day.

Mark

[ November 14, 2005, 05:25 AM: Message edited by: busman ]
 
J

jbfan74

Senior Member
Location
Newnan Ga
Re: There is no such thing as an AFCI Tester

While I was shopping at Lowes tonight, I ran into another electrician that had just failed his final because the inspector inserted his Arkfault tester and could not get any of the 4 breakers to trip. This was his own home and not a customers. His wife was there when the inspectro stated that even tho her husband was and electrician, he would not oown one of these testors becuse they cost $150.00. He was looking at the box stores to find one. I informed him about this forum and what I have learned. Maybe he will come check this out.
 
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