1. Debunking the Myths of AFCI
PRESENTED BY Ashley Bryant

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

3. Acronyms, Definitions, and Standards
Introduction
Acronyms, Definitions, and Standards

4. 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.

5. 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).

6. Arc Faults Defined

7. 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

8. CPSC Data

9. AFCI’s Save Lives

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. National Electric Code ®
Siemens offering

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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 (A)(1) through (6) …

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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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.

34. 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

35. 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

36. Siemens Technical Support: 1-800-333-7421
Additional Resources
Facebook! AFCI Safety
UL Website –
FREE AFCI Training Course
Literature – download center
Siemens Technical Support: