ARC fault breakers

[[email protected]]

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?

 

[Rich.]

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.

 

[[email protected]]

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?

My house was wired in 1998.

 

[Rich.]

My house was wired in 1998.

That's pre arc-fault so expect to have issues when using them.

 

[[email protected]]

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?

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?

 

[Rich.]

On Monday, April 8, 2013 1:15:17 PM UTC-5, [email protected] wrote:

Is it bad to tape a wire nut?

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.

 

[Phoena]

I am thinking it might prevent a fire someday in the future?

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 **** himself and to this day I still haven't an electrical
fire.