Quote:
|
Originally Posted by glatt
We did not have arc-fault protection put on any circuits. It wasn't even brought up by anyone. The inspector was apparently fine with this.
So is this a new national electrical code standard? As of when?
|
Arc fault breakers are required on all new or rehabbed bedroom circuits as of 2002. A bedroom is where electrical fires are most dangerous due to so many combustible materials and due to common use of things such as zip extension cords that get crushed and shorted by beds.
An arc fault breaker is different from a GFCI. An arc fault breaker detects the shorted wires that are arcing - and quickly removes power. In Dave's case (as I recall), his wife plugged in a Christmas tree, saw the arc, then house was engulfed in 5 minutes. This is a wiring failure that arc fault breakers detect and quash.
GFCI detect electricity that may be going through your body. GFCIs cut off electricity before you can be electrocuted. GFCIs don't detect arcing that would create a fire. GFCIs are required in kitchen and bathroom outlets. AGFI or arc fault breakers are required on bedroom circuits including (for some reason) overhead bedroom lights.