Debunking the Myths of AFCI PRESENTED BY Ashley Bryant

Senior Product Manager, Electronic Circuit Breakers Siemens Ashley Bryant Senior Product Manager, Electronic Circuit Breakers Siemens

Acronyms, Definitions, and Standards 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 NFPA – writes the NEC The difference between the UL Standard and National Electric Code – the Standard tells us what the breaker has to be able to do in order to put a UL label on it (series of tests, etc), and the Code tells us where the products are required in the field. FCC – all devices/products in residential homes should be FCC Part 15B compliant.

Standards UL489 Defines requirements for molded case circuit breakers. UL943 Defines requirements for Ground Fault circuit interrupter devices. UL1699 Defines requirements for Arc Fault circuit interrupter devices. FCC – circuit breakers are FCC compliant Part 15B (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 The function of the AFCI – looks at the waveform signatures to determine if there is an arcing event.

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 Need a higher level of current in order to produce enough heat to create a fire with a series arc.

Types of AFCI Devices Branch-Feeder: detects parallel arcing and arcing to ground Combination: detects parallel arcing, arcing to ground and series arcing Series Arc ≥5A Load Combination Type AFCI Line to Ground Load Parallel Arc ≥ 75A Branch-Feeder 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 13

Combination AFCI does not offer GFCI Protection AFCI’s do detect arcs to ground, but do not offer personnel or equipment protection. AFCI’s: ~50mA level GFCI’s 5mA for personnel, 30mA for equipment protection 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. 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) Expands AFCI to all dwelling unit bedroom circuits including lighting, smoke detector, etc. 1999 NEC Branch Feeder supplying 120V, single phase, 15 & 20 amp branch circuits In dwelling unit bedrooms Effective Jan 1st, 2002 2005 NEC Adds cord sets must be protected meaning Combination is required over Branch Feeder Effective Jan 1st, 2008 2017 NEC Expands to AFCI to guest suites (hotels rooms with cooking provisions) 2008 NEC Expands AFCI to majority of dwelling unit areas (basically where GFCI is not required) Adds exceptions for outlet AFCI devices NEC drives greater levels of safety 2014 NEC Expands AFCI to kitchen and laundry areas Expands AFCI to dormitories 2011 NEC Adds requirement for AFCI protection to existing circuits if modified

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 = AFCI and GFCI required area Now Kitchen and Laundry areas need to have AFCI and GFCI protection

Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Circuit Breaker The Siemens Dual Function Circuit Breaker offers Combination Type AFCI and Class A 5mA GFCI protection in one device. NEC 2014 and 2017 require AFCI AND GFCI protection on all kitchen and laundry circuits. Offered up to 65kAIC 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 UL943 LMV LV Components Product Management

Typical Panel Schedule Bathroom 1 - Bedroom 1 Bathroom 2 Bedroom 2 Kitchen Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Refrigerator Family Room Dishwasher Dining Room Sun Room Den Rec Room Closets Clothes Washer Garage Laundry Room HVAC Clothes Dryer Air Handler Water Heater Range   Thermal Mag GFCI AFCI Dual Function AFCI/GFCI

2pole 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 10k and 22kAIC

GFCI with Self Test 1pole and 2pole have Self Test feature as required per UL 943 1pole now offered in 65kAIC 2pole now offers LED indicator on the test button to indicate if breaker function has been compromised. LMV LV Components Product Management

NEC 2014 & 2017: Installation Options 210.12 AFCI Protection Installation options per the NEC #1 – most common #2 – not economical to purchase 2 AFCI devices #3 – not commercially available – no UL Standard #4 – Eaton now has a “System Combination” #5 – homerun in metal conduit – difficult and expensive #6 – homerun in concrete – difficult and expensive

AFCI Installation Comparison Option 1: Combination AFCI + Receptacle Option 4: System Combination CB + AFCI Receptacle Option 2: Branch Feeder AFCI + AFCI Receptacle Option 5: Thermal Mag CB + AFCI Receptacle w/ Metallic Conduit Installation options per the NEC #1 – most common #2 – not economical to purchase 2 AFCI devices #3 – not commercially available – no UL Standard #4 – Eaton now has a “System Combination” #5 – homerun in metal conduit – difficult and expensive #6 – homerun in concrete – difficult and expensive Option 3: Supplemental Arc Protection CB + AFCI Receptacle Option 6: Thermal Mag CB + AFCI Receptacle in concrete

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Siemens Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters TYPICAL ARC FAULT CIRCUIT CONCERNS Nuisance Tripping Excessive troubleshooting times Frustrated homeowners and electrical contractors SIEMENS SOLUTIONS Excellent arc discrimination and enhanced electronics 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

2pole 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-to-neutral 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. 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 15b

Tips for Wiring Terminate conductors around screws at devices, avoid “back-stabbing” BEST METHOD! Example of a receptacle wired using the stabs in a house not on AFCI.

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 Furniture is not on or pushing against electrical wires Beware or overloaded circuits, damaged cords, or blackened plugs Used qualified electrician for wiring electrical projects

Siemens Technical Support: 1-800-333-7421 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