I know they are now code for most rooms in a house. Is it a good idea to replace
the "regular" circuit breakers in my home with arc faults? Is it ok to install
an arc fault on a GFCI circuit? I am thinking it might prevent a fire someday in
the future?
Do these things cause nusicence tripping when using a vacuum cleaner or other
sparking device?
I'd stay away from them for the time being because the technology was rushed
out and is not perfected. In new homes that are specifically wired for
arc-fault breakers they are ideal. But in older homes, light switches were
commonly wired on the outlet circuits. A switch can internally arc when
turning it off while under a load. This arc is enough to keep causing
nuisance tripping. Also, if you're the type to unplug something while it's
still on, the arc at the plug can also trip the breaker.
An arc-fault breaker can be used to power a GFI outlet. Keep in mind that if
you have a 3-wire circuit (2 hots, 1 neutral) such as with 12-3 or 14-3
homeruns to the panel, then you need a special arc-fault breaker that is
identified for common neutral use.
replace the "regular" circuit breakers in my home with arc faults? Is it ok to
install an arc fault on a GFCI circuit? I am thinking it might prevent a fire
someday in the future?
sparking device?
My house was wired in 1998.
replace the "regular" circuit breakers in my home with arc faults? Is it ok to
install an arc fault on a GFCI circuit? I am thinking it might prevent a fire
someday in the future?
sparking device?
AFCIs are getting better
I would buy a couple and see how it goes. My guess that if you don't
have any multiwire (common neutral) circuits you will be OK on most of
them. If you do get tripping, try it on another circuit and
investigate when you get the bad ones isolated.
One thing to think of is a grounded neutral past the AFCI will trip
it.
One of the biggest causes of nuisance tripping is a ceiling box with
that big kludge of white wires jammed in a wire nut. If you get a
short to ground a regular breaker will not care but a GFCI or AFCI
will trip. If you have a fan in there, it might not actually short
until the fan is running, vibrating the box and you assume you have a
bad fan. If you are careful replacing it and eliminate the short, you
are sure the fan caused it ;-)
That is one of the few places I would tape up a wirenut.
replace the "regular" circuit breakers in my home with arc faults? Is it ok to
install an arc fault on a GFCI circuit? I am thinking it might prevent a fire
someday in the future?
sparking device?
Is it bad to tape a wire nut? I actually always do this, even in switches. I
wrap the wire nut in electrical tape. I guess I am anal. Are there any
situations where taping a wire nut is bad?
Bad no, but it sure pisses off the next electrician that has to access the
spice. There's nothing worse than getting that sticky gummy tape adhesive
all over your fingers, then your tools, then the switch, then the wall, etc.
If a splice is made proper to begin with, the wirenut should do the job of
holding the splice together and keeping it insulated.
What bullshit. I once had an electrician tell me to replace my Federal
Pacific breaker because doing so might prevent a fire someday. I told
him he can go fuck himself and to this day I still haven't an electrical
fire.
PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.