AFCI's and a code change coming

[whatevva]

I just found out yesterday that, as of January 1st 2008, the NEC will require that ALL newly installed 15 and 20 amp branch circuits will be required to have AFCI protection. This goes WAY beyound the curent code that requires them only on bedroom circuits. While I understand that this is going to increase the costs dramatically, I believe this will save many lives and homes.


Now, Tom, for the interesting part....

Currently all AFCI breakers carry an internal "equipment" GFCI circuit that I believe is set to trip at 30 ms. This protects equipment from ground faults but not people. There's talk of manufacturers lowering that to 5 ms which would eliminate any need for GFCI recepticles in the future. My only concern would be that it'll be nearly impossible for the average homeowner to determine if he has a ground fault, or arc fault issue. Oh well....call an electrician

[Loverotties]

That's a big change.

[ckusnierek]

I got AFCI breakers for my tanks last week havent installed the yet $55 a pop its cheap security from fire!

In new construction it's not even a noticable cost difference. I talked my Bro into putting AFCI's on all his 12 and 20 amp circuits (outlets and ceiling fixtures) and the cost difference was only $500 more. When building a 250,000 house who cares???

[tdwyatt]

Originally Posted by whatevva

Currently all AFCI breakers carry an internal "equipment" GFCI circuit that I believe is set to trip at 30 ms. This protects equipment from ground faults but not people. There's talk of manufacturers lowering that to 5 ms which would eliminate any need for GFCI recepticles in the future. My only concern would be that it'll be nearly impossible for the average homeowner to determine if he has a ground fault, or arc fault issue. Oh well....call an electrician

Heh, This just means that the Japanese will release some really cheap home equipment to detect issues in the system...