Exterior AFCI

[Tom Bramlett]

Just wondering if an AFCI outlet is allowed on an exterior outlet?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Why not?

[gbeaumont]

Originally Posted by jpope

Why not?

Hi to all,

I can think of several reasons, as an AFCI does not detect ground faults at the same low levels that a GFCI does. Are you sure it was an AFCI??

sounds wrong

Regards

Gerry

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

An exterior receptacle should be GFCI protected, you're right Gerry, but that doesn't mean that it can't be AFCI protected as well.

I know of nothing that would prohibit AFCI protection at exterior receptacles/outlets, hence my question - "why not?"

[Tom Bramlett]

The homeowner added an exterior outlet to operate a small sprinkler system by tying into a bedroom circuit that was protected by a AFCI breaker. The rest of the exterior outlets were GFCI protected. This is the first time I have run into this and was wondering if it is allowed.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by tbramlett

The homeowner added an exterior outlet to operate a small sprinkler system by tying into a bedroom circuit that was protected by a AFCI breaker. The rest of the exterior outlets were GFCI protected. This is the first time I have run into this and was wondering if it is allowed.

Needs to be GFCI protected also

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Having AFCI protection is not an issue. The absence of GFCI protection IS an issue.

[Greg Fretwell]

Bear in mind some AFCIs also have 5ma GFCI protection so you almost need the manufacturer spec to answer the question.

[gbeaumont]

Originally Posted by jpope

Having AFCI protection is not an issue. The absence of GFCI protection IS an issue.

Hi Jeff, I knew what you were getting at, but it left a "floating" incomplete answer

Regards

Gerry

[gbeaumont]

Originally Posted by Greg Fretwell

Bear in mind some AFCIs also have 5ma GFCI protection so you almost need the manufacturer spec to answer the question.

Hi Greg, I know you're right, and that over the next few years the 2 technologies will be combined, but as of right now it is unlikely that an AFCI would be offering the full protection of a GFCI.

BTW, if an AFCI were acting as a GFCI shouldn't it be labled as such on the receptacle??

Regards

Gerry

[Greg Fretwell]

Cutler Hammer has the BR-vcc-AFGF line that is an AFCI with 5ma protection

vcc= voltage/current.
BR-115-AFGF is 120v 15a, BR-220-AFGF is 240v 20a.

[Marc Benz]

Greg, yes that correct with the BR series breakers and also the CH as well.

but right now i heard but not confirmed yet until i see in print the other manufacters are working on the combation verison of both GFCI / AFCI and i think they will relase it after the first of the year [ after jan 08 ] by that time we should able know more info.

Merci, Marc

[Michael W. Gault]

Originally Posted by jpope

Having AFCI protection is not an issue. The absence of GFCI protection IS an issue.

Overkill perhaps... but not an issue then?

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by mgault

Overkill perhaps... but not an issue then?

Mike,

Maybe I missed it but did the exterior outlet trip when you tested the GFCI function?

[Michael W. Gault]

The exteriors were labeled GFI's tied to the local GFCI in the garage, they all tripped fine...

The bedrooms were all AFCI protected as was the individual circuit labeled 'Smoke Detectors' - overkill...