AFCI question

[Mark Roach]

I have come across 2 new homes that had the outlet for the gas oven on an AFCI circuit. I would think that this would not be a outlet that you would want on a protected circuit. It only powers the controls for the oven. i would think it would be a nuisance to have it trip while you are cooking something and not realize it. Just like I wouldn't want it on a GFCI circuit.

I have searched the codes and can not find anywhere stating it is not allowed. Any thoughts?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

They are required in specific locations, but are not prohibited in any location.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by jpope

They are required in specific locations, but are not prohibited in any location.

Less is more, great answer Jeff.

[Chuck Evans]

I see no issue, but i think it's interesting that the arc from the igniters doesn't trip them.

Perhaps Paul or Gerry can explain why???

[Michael R. Boyett]

The arc or 'spark' that you see at the burner is not directly from the 220 vac or even 110 vac. It is generated by an electronic module that essentially buffers the spark from the power line.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by mboyett

The arc or 'spark' that you see at the burner is not directly from the 220 vac or even 110 vac. It is generated by an electronic module that essentially buffers the spark from the power line.

Attachment 32641

Another good answer. Simple and to the point. Excellent.

[Bruce A. King]

Since many people will get AFCI and GFCI mixed up, I thought it would be a good idea to post this on this thread too.

Quote below is from the manual, page 11, found at http://www.electroluxusa.com/files/u...install_en.pdf

"Do not plug the cooktop into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles.
The cooktop spark ignition module can cause a GFCI to trip."

[Chuck Evans]

Originally Posted by mboyett

The arc or 'spark' that you see at the burner is not directly from the 220 vac or even 110 vac. It is generated by an electronic module that essentially buffers the spark from the power line.

Attachment 32641

Thanks, That makes sense they would use capacitors and step the voltage up quite a bit in order to get the arc to jump the gap.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

The non-typical parallel or series "ARC" that an AFCI is looking for is measured based on the last half cycles of the "ARC" itself so this is why motors that have a arc while starting or a switch that arcs does not set off an AFCI. It can determine what a good arc is from a bad arc if you will.......they are way more precise and should not be affected by those types of non-dangerous types of arcs.

[Chuck Evans]

Originally Posted by pabernathy

The non-typical parallel or series "ARC" that an AFCI is looking for is measured based on the last half cycles of the "ARC" itself so this is why motors that have a arc while starting or a switch that arcs does not set off an AFCI. It can determine what a good arc is from a bad arc if you will.......they are way more precise and should not be affected by those types of non-dangerous types of arcs.

Thanks for the additional info. It's always helpful