Debunking the Myths of AFCI PRESENTED BY Ashley
Debunking the Myths of AFCI PRESENTED BY Ashley Bryant
Ashley Bryant Senior Product Manager, Electronic Circuit Breakers Siemens
Introduction Acronyms, Definitions, and Standards
Acronyms and Definitions NFPA – National Fire Protection Association NEMA – National Manufacturer’s Association UL – Underwriter’s Laboratories (Standard) NEC- National Electric Code FCC- Federal Communications Commission
Standards • UL 489 Defines requirements for molded case circuit breakers. • UL 943 Defines requirements for Ground Fault circuit interrupter devices. • UL 1699 Defines requirements for Arc Fault circuit interrupter devices. • FCC – circuit breakers are FCC compliant Part 15 B (as should all devices rated for residential applications).
Arc Faults Defined
Arc Faults Defined UL 1699 Standard For AFCI’s Paragraph 2. 3 ARCING FAULT – “An unintentional arcing condition in a circuit” Arc faults may occur anywhere in an electrical system as a result of: • Worn electrical insulation or damaged wire • Misapplied or damaged plug-in appliance cords and equipment • Loose electrical connections • Accidentally piercing electrical cable- nails, staples, etc. . • Pushing furniture against cords plugged into outlets
CPSC Data
AFCI’s Save Lives
AFCI Science • An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter is a device designed to mitigate the effects of arc faults by de-energizing the circuit when an arc-fault is detected. • AFCIs monitor outgoing power, compare to return power, and analyze the waveform of the circuit. Arc Current Voltage across arc
Parallel Arc or High Level Arc • Can occur as L-L, L-N, or L-G • Creates a high-impedance, low-current arc fault that carbonizes the conductor's insulation decreasing the dielectric of the insulation separating the conductors • Result is increased current, exponentially increased thermal energy, and the likelihood of ignition and fire • Potentially more dangerous than series arc
Series Arc or Low Level Arc Series arc can occur when the conductor in series with the load breaks or has a loose connection Series configuration means the arc current cannot be greater than the load current the conductor serves
Types of AFCI Devices ØBranch-Feeder: detects parallel arcing and arcing to ground ØCombination: detects parallel arcing, arcing to ground and series arcing Parallel Arc ≥ 75 A Load Branch-Feeder AFCI Line to Ground Load Series Arc ≥ 5 A Load Combination Type AFCI Code Requirements: Branch feeder is required for the 2002 NEC (currently being phased out), Combination by the 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2017 NEC Attention to wiring: More protection means contractors have to be more diligent
Combination AFCI does not offer GFCI Protection AFCI’s do detect arcs to ground, but do not offer personnel or equipment protection. • AFCI’s: ~50 m. A level • GFCI’s 5 m. A for personnel, 30 m. A for equipment protection Ø What is the difference? § AFCI’s are designed to mitigate the effects of arcs which can cause fires. § GFCI’s are designed to protect people and property from electrical shock. Page 14
National Electric Code ® Siemens offering
National Electric Code ® • NEC can vary by state to state, city to city, jurisdiction to jurisdiction. • Electricians/Installers are responsible for knowing what code is being enforced.
Expansion of Protected Locations Under NEC (Article 210. 12) (AFCI) 1999 NEC Branch Feeder supplying 120 V, single phase, 15 & 20 amp branch circuits In dwelling unit bedrooms Effective Jan 1 st, 2002 2017 NEC Expands to AFCI to guest suites (hotels rooms with cooking provisions) 2014 NEC Expands AFCI to kitchen and laundry areas Expands AFCI to dormitories 2002 NEC Expands AFCI to all dwelling unit bedroom circuits including lighting, smoke detector, etc. 2011 NEC Adds requirement for AFCI protection to existing circuits if modified 2005 NEC Adds cord sets must be protected meaning Combination is required over Branch Feeder Effective Jan 1 st, 2008 NEC Expands AFCI to majority of dwelling unit areas (basically where GFCI is not required) Adds exceptions for outlet AFCI devices
National Electric Code 2017 • 210. 12(A), Dwelling Units. All 120 -volt, single-phase, 15 - and 20 -ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by any of the means described in 210. 12(A)(1) through (6) …
= AFCI and GFCI required area
Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Circuit Breaker • The Siemens Dual Function Circuit Breaker offers Combination Type AFCI and Class A 5 m. A GFCI protection in one device. • NEC 2014 and 2017 require AFCI AND GFCI protection on all kitchen and laundry circuits. • Offered up to 65 k. AIC • Benefits: • Fast installation – easier to install one device than two • Cost savings – lower cost than purchasing both a GFCI and AFCI • Smaller device – combines two state-of-the-art technologies into one small device • Self Test Feature – as required per UL 943 Page 20 LMV LV Components Product Management
Typical Panel Schedule Bathroom 1 Bathroom 2 Kitchen Refrigerator Dishwasher Sun Room Rec Room Clothes Washer Laundry Room - Clothes Dryer Water Heater Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Family Room Dining Room Den Closets Garage HVAC Air Handler Range Thermal Mag GFCI AFCI Dual Function AFCI/GFCI
2 pole CAFCI • Intended for use on two, 1 -pole, 120 VAC circuits. • Designed to allow contractors to use multi-wire branch circuit (commonly known as shared neutrals) • Saves on installation costs. • Offered in Plug-on and Bolt-on constructions • 10 k and 22 k. AIC
GFCI with Self Test - 1 pole and 2 pole have Self Test feature as required per UL 943 - 1 pole now offered in 65 k. AIC - 2 pole now offers LED indicator on the test button to indicate if breaker function has been compromised. Page 23 LMV LV Components Product Management
NEC 2014 & 2017: Installation Options 210. 12 AFCI Protection
AFCI Installation Comparison Option 1: Combination AFCI + Receptacle Option 2: Branch Feeder AFCI + AFCI Receptacle Option 3: Supplemental Arc Protection CB + AFCI Receptacle Option 4: System Combination CB + AFCI Receptacle Option 5: Thermal Mag CB + AFCI Receptacle w/ Metallic Conduit Option 6: Thermal Mag CB + AFCI Receptacle in concrete
Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks
Siemens Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters • 1. 2. 3. TYPICAL ARC FAULT CIRCUIT CONCERNS Nuisance Tripping Excessive troubleshooting times Frustrated homeowners and electrical contractors • SIEMENS SOLUTIONS 1. Excellent arc discrimination and enhanced electronics 2. Breaker indicating lights for troubleshooting assistance
Single Pole CAFCI Industry Exclusive LED indicator lights that simplify the process of diagnosing the cause of AFCI/GFCI trips. If top LED lights up: line-to-neutral or series arcing If both LEDs light up: GND Fault If no LEDs light up: short circuit or overload **Fault stays in memory for 30 days
Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Industry Exclusive LED indicator lights that simplify the process of diagnosing the cause of AFCI/GFCI trips. If top LED lights up: line-to-neutral or series arcing If both LEDs light up: GND Fault If no LEDs light up: short circuit or overload **Fault stays in memory for 30 days
2 pole CAFCI Industry Exclusive LED indicator lights that simplify the process of diagnosing the cause of AFCI/GFCI trips. If top LED lights up: line-to-neutral or series arcing (left pole) If both LEDs light up: GND Fault If bottom LED lights up: line-toneutral or series arcing (right pole) If no LEDs light up: short circuit or overload **Fault stays in memory for 30 days
Troubleshooting is Tricky • Creative wiring practices can create nuisance tripping • AFCI trips can be intermittent • Intermittent trips do not always occur with the contractor present (multiple trips) • Minimum current level required to trip Combination Type AFCIs This device can only produce limited simulated arcs and is not recommended by any manufacturer for the testing an AFCI circuit breakers What if the AHJ fails the installation because this does not trip the breaker? We have a letter from UL stating as such. Ø The push-to-test button is the only way to ensure the AFCI is functioning
General Tips and Tricks § Check the connection between the light socket and the light bulb base § Put electronics on surge protectors § Protection from lightning § Mitigates noise from frequently used electronics § Look for products that meet UL 1449 and FCC part 15 b
Tips for Wiring Terminate conductors around screws at devices, avoid “back-stabbing” BEST METHOD!
General Tips and Tricks for Contractors § Ensure the use of properly maintained tools § Route wires in strategic areas § Perform job after other trades (HVAC, plumbing ) have completed
General Tips and Tricks for Homeowners Ø Furniture is not on or pushing against electrical wires Ø Beware or overloaded circuits, damaged cords, or blackened plugs Ø Used qualified electrician for wiring electrical projects
Additional Resources • www. afcisafety. org • Facebook! AFCI Safety • UL Website – • FREE AFCI Training Course • Literature – download center • www. usa. siemens. com/afci • Siemens Technical Support: 1 -800 -333 -7421
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