This article was posted 02/06/2007 and is most likely outdated.

AFCIs on the Brink
 

 
Topic - AFCIs on the Brink
Subject - NEC

February 6, 2007  

Ask a Question |  Weekly Code Graphic |  Quizzes |  Free Stuff |  Instructors | Online Training |  Products | Seminars | Subscribe | Unsubscribe
[ image1 Post Comments | View Comments | Notify Me When Comments Are Added ] Web Page Version [Printer-Friendly]    

AFCIs on the Brink
Electrical Experts Weigh in on a Potential Code Change

Image 1If proposal #2-142 of the National Electric Code (NEC) passes, it will require combination-type arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection for all 15A and 20A, singlephase, 120V circuits in dwelling units by Jan. 1, 2008. The combination-type AFCI combines the protection of branch/feeder circuits with increased sensitivity as well as added protection for cord-and-plug-connected equipment. The proposal isn’t the first mention of AFCIs in the Code; however, it is the most expansive and possibly the most controversial.

Click Here to read the full article from EC&M outlining this potential change.

 
[ View More Newsletters ] [ Send to a Friend ] [ Post Comments | View Comments | Notify Me When Comments Are Added ]

Copyright © Mike Holt Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by United States copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be
displayed or published on the internet without the prior written permission of Mike Holt Enterprises, Inc.

http://www.MikeHolt.com     1-888-NEC-CODE (1-888-632-2633)

Experiencing a Problem? Contact our Webmaster
Comments

  • There has to be a cost-benefit analysis.

    For the price of installing all AFCI:

    How many old and poorly wired homes could be gutted out and rewired safely and up to snuff, and how many lives would that save?

    How many defective old appliances could be recalled and traded for new ones with safe designs?

    How many smoke alarms could be bought and installed?

    To reduce a problem (fire deaths) in a population you don't expend all your effort and money on one little chunk because you have a solution that works for that little piece. You expend effort and money in proportion to risk and what gives the greatest reduction of those most common hazards.

    If it's 1918-1919 and 40 million people are dying from the flu, and 40 thousand are dying from tuberculosis, you don't spend most of your millions looking for a cure for TB!

    Matt
Reply to this comment
* Your Name:
   Your name will appear under your comments.

* Your Email:
   Your email address is not displayed.
* Comments:

Email Notification Options:
Notify me when a reply is posted to this comment
Notify me whenever a comment is posted to this newsletter