Replies

1. 
   Francis_Voignier | Mar 18, 2001 08:49pm | #1

   *
   When I mention the name AFCI, it generally draws a blank. Not only I haven't seen one yet, but nobody I know has seen one either. We're talking new here! and I guess the next NEC is due in 9 months, so plenty of time to absorb the shock of the $75.00/$125.00 price range. I personally believe all breakers should be AFCI compliant, but that might make a 16 breaker panel a bit pricey...
   fv

1. 
   splintergroupie_ | Mar 18, 2001 08:59pm | #2

   *I mentioned it in the other thread after reading about it in the current (March) issue of JLC, page 30. The regulation is supposed to take effect in 2002.Here's an bit from July '99 as well:arc-fault circuit interrupters

1. 
   p_m | Mar 18, 2001 09:25pm | #3

   *What a clever marketing ploy. What could be better than getting a law passed requiring everyone in the country to buy and install your products?I have been in the electrical trade for four years and I have never seen an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. I have heard of them and thhey seem to be required by the next issue of the NEC, 2002. However it is the option of each state to adopt the code, in whole or part. These things cost about $125 and have no proven track record. Usually safety devices such as this - for instance - seat belts or GFCIs - start out on a limited basis [e.g. seat belts started as a feature in luxury cars] and, once having statistically proven their worth, become more and more required.An argument may be postulated "How can you put a dollar value on a human life?" An arc occurs when there is a dubious connection in a circuit. For instance, something is plugged into a bedroom wall and the bed is shoved against it which partially dislodges it. The electricity jumps across the gap which causes an arc and heat which is not great enough to trip a circuit breaker. Or an extension cord under a carpet gets worn out and frayed and the same thing happens. The heat starts the fire.But there are cheaper alternatives. Cords could be equiped with the angle plugs - like some refrigerators have; the outlets could be recessed - like some clock receptacles. Additional outlets could be required [beyond the current minimum [i.e. maximum!] 12' spacing. This would eliminate the use of the extension cords.Peter J. Michael

1. 
   Francis_Voignier | Mar 19, 2001 02:59am | #4

   *I recently visited a woman who needed her TV receptacle checked in her living room. Aside from the TV, she had the perfect scenario of multiple outlets ganged-up with heaters on 18 gauge lamp cords and the likes; but that was not the problem... The problem was 2 rooms down the hall, in her bedroom, in a box directly against her bed that was so badly charred that the bedspread had started to burn... What was the probability of the house not burning down? I'd say: zilch! The miracle was in the timing. AFCI's, I'd say: give them a try!fv

1. 
   norml | Mar 19, 2001 05:46am | #5

   *Saw some of these at the local home inmprovement house the other day. About $40 for the Seimans/Murray version. 2002 NEC will require these on all bedroom receptacle circuits.

2. 
   Ralph_Wicklund | Mar 19, 2001 06:50am | #6

   *Does anyone know if these will give downstream protection, wired like a GFCI, or will you have to have one in every box?

3. 
   Art_B | Mar 19, 2001 02:16pm | #7

   *The solid state power control (SSPC) modules in the space station have the equivalent of AFCI controls, but cost a lot more than $125. Circuit concepts around at least since late 1960's, the best use spectrum analysis algoriths to shut down for any short/overload/arcing GF or other scenario engineering wants to define. Chip technology now gets price down into "barely" affordable category for home use. Worked with a NEC panel member (Tom S.) in the early '70s when GFCI were first being promulgated. According to him, lots of input then from manufacturers pushing code driven needs.

2. 
   Tom_Moller | Mar 19, 2001 02:16pm | #8

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   These were briefly mentioned in another thread. Must be something new because I haven't seen one yet. If anyone can provide info here, it might be of interest to lots of people. Thanks.