afci breakers

[criselect]

Where in the code does it state that if you change a panel you must install afci breakers on the bedroom circuits.The existing circuits are not just the bedrooms there are other things on the circuit.When installing the afci breakers one trips when the paddle fan is turned on and the other trips when the closet light comes on.Of course i did not bid the job to rewire the house.

[ May 28, 2004, 09:58 PM: Message edited by: criselect ]

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: afci breakers

The NEC only requires AFCI breakers on new ciruit installations such as a new house or new bedroom wiring in an existing house. This does not apply to service or panel changes.

 

[al hildenbrand]

Re: afci breakers

Criselect

While the NEC only describes the AFCI requirements for new installations, there are other sources of the requirement you describe. The governmental or regulatory beauracracy, for the area your job is located in, will modify the NEC and add to it.

Some places have completely removed the AFCI requirement, 210.12(B), while others, like Vermont, require that every 15 & 20 amp 125 volt branch circuit in a dwelling be upgraded to AFCI protection when the panel is changed out.

Bottom line: Your answer will come from the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) for the area your job is located in.

 

[bphgravity]

Re: afci breakers

Its probably a good idea even if its not required by the NEC or local amendments. Im sure future NEC editions will require this.

 

[tom baker]

Re: afci breakers

AFCI circuit breakers have a grounded neutral sensor, set at 30 or 50 ma, depending on mfg. You most likely have an inadvertant neutral to ground connection that is causing the AFCI to trip. When GFCI's were first introduced, they had the same tripping due to the same problems.

 

[tonyi]

Re: afci breakers

Check the fan/light to see if they've got the housings strapped to the neutral. I've seen a number of older cheap lights that had the housings bonded with the neutral.

In a metallic box, this situation will result in a hardwired bootleg ground that'll trip an AFCI (or GFCI for that matter).

You might temporarily replace the AFCI with a GFCI breaker to verify that its not the AFCI's fault.

In an older place you might fine some "creative" hookups - like where someone grabbed a neutral off another branch by mistake (or intention). This will create an imbalance that makes for a "guaranteed trip" situation.