This article was posted 08/15/2012 and is most likely outdated.

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Applying 1-pole Combination AFCIs to Shared Neutral Circuits

Combination Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters
Application Guidelines
Applying 1-pole Combination AFCIs to Shared Neutral Circuits

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Until now, using a shared neutral (multiwire branch circuits) on arc fault protection circuits required the use of 2-pole AFCI breakers, since the AFCI circuitry uses a ground fault CT to help it detect arcs. But with GE’s newly developed combination AFCI technology, no ground fault CT is required, so shared neutral circuits can be used with two 1-pole AFCIs connected together with a handle tie.

Click here to view this Electrical Distribution publication from GE which explains these application guidelines and provides example diagrams.

 

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Comments

  • It will be interesting to see a response from GE on whether their new AFCI (w/no CT) can be listed as a Slash Rated breaker. I personally see no reason to specify two single poles with a handle tie, but we all know there are times when you have a need for a two-pole source and you only have two single pole CB's that happen to be slash rated, so you can utilize this approach. Good article!

    Richard Hairston  October 17 2012, 4:39 pm EDT
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  • This is great --but when is the price coming down ??????

    Wayne Helmick  September 5 2012, 6:59 am EDT
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  • I guess I am still in the dark. If you need to trip both poles anyway, what is the advantage of two single-pole AFCI breakers joined with a handle tie over a two-pole AFCI breaker?

    Bob Hoyer  August 17 2012, 4:37 pm EDT
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    • Reply from: MikeHolt   August 17 2012, 4:46 pm EDT
    None, they both meet the NEC requirement for multiwire circuits.
    Reply to MikeHolt

  • Are all brands interchangeable with GE? What are the pros and cons of using shared neutrals with this method?

    ben jacks  August 17 2012, 11:29 am EDT
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    • Reply from: MikeHolt   August 17 2012, 4:48 pm EDT
    It's not about pro's and con's it's about a product that meets the NEC requirement for multiwire circuits.
    Reply to MikeHolt

  • Thank the lord they finally came up with a solution to this problem! Thank you Mike for the great info as usual.

    Quogue Electric  August 16 2012, 7:40 pm EDT
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  • Mike,

    So why is the handle tie necessary? I must be missing something. Aren't two independent single pole circuits with a shared neutral a possibility?

    Bob Hoyer  August 16 2012, 1:45 am EDT
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    • Reply from: Scott   August 16 2012, 5:47 am EDT
    Bob, if you look at the publication picture from GE you will see the branch circuit neutral goes to one breaker only and the other breaker stays empty.
    Reply to Scott

    Reply from: ben jacks   August 17 2012, 11:36 am EDT
    Does this mean a double pole can also share a third OCPD.?
    Reply to ben jacks

    Reply from: MikeHolt   August 17 2012, 4:47 pm EDT
    Pleae reread the document and it's application.
    Reply to MikeHolt

    Reply from: MikeHolt   August 16 2012, 8:00 am EDT
    It's to ensure that all circuits with a common neutral disconect at the same time.
    Reply to MikeHolt

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