Understanding Your Options: AFCI Protection and the 2015 CE Code

Classifying An Arc Fault Operational Arcs - occur in a properly functioning electrical system Switching loads ON/OFF Contact closure/opening Non-Operational Arcs - potential fire hazards Damaged insulation in fixed wiring and appliance cords Loose connections 2 2

Operational Arcs Examples of operational arcs: 3 3

Hazardous Arcs Examples of non-operational arcs 4 4

Wiring Degradation Drivers Temperature Humidity Mechanical Stress Voltage Stress Time Loose Connections Stranded Aluminum Wiring Corrosion Do-it-yourselfers Rodents 5 5

Life Phases of the Home There are three major phases during the lifespan of a home CONSTRUCTION Average of 50-75 junction boxes, switches and outlets Thousands of feet of wire Electricians work comes before drywall, cabinets, shelving and trim HOMEOWNER MOVES IN Homeowners modify by adding dimmers, ceiling fans, more lights Pictures get hung and more shelves are installed Appliances put in place, extension cords used, spa s installed AGING STRUCTURE Additions will occur Rodents may move in Wire degradation due to humidity, heat, vibration Weakening connections due to repetitive use More loads may be added 6 6

Types Of Arcing Faults L1 N Gnd Parallel Arcing (Line-Neutral) Parallel Arcing (Line-Gnd) Equipment Grounding Conductor Series Arcing Load High Current Level Arc Parallel Arc An Arc Fault that occurs at 75Amps and higher An Arc Fault that occurs Line-Line or Line-Neutral Low Current Level Arc Series Arc An arc fault at low levels down to 5 Amps An arc fault at a break or gap in a single conductor in series with a connected load 8 8

AFCI Circuit Breaker vs. Receptacle An AFCI circuit breaker protects the entire circuit from its origin in the load center for both parallel and series arcs AFCI Circuit Breaker installed in the panel Standard Receptacle High Current Parallel Arc Protection Low Current Series Arc Protection An AFCI receptacle can protect all downstream wire and connected cords from both parallel and series arcs, but only protects from series arcs upstream in the home run Standard Circuit Breaker installed in the panel AFCI Receptacle Circuit protected downstream from both series and parallel arcs High Current Parallel Arc Protection Low Current Series Arc Protection Homerun only protected from series arcs 9 9

2015 CE Code 2015 CE Code, Rules 26-724 (f) and (g) (f) each branch circuit supplying 125 V receptacles rated 20 A or less shall be protected by a combination-type arc-fault circuit interrupter, except for branch circuits supplying (i) receptacles installed in accordance with (A) Rule 26-710(f); or (B) Rule 26-712(d)((i), (iii), (iv), and (v); and (ii) a single receptacle for a sump pump where (A) the receptacle is labelled in a conspicuous, legible, and permanent manner identifying it as a sump pump receptacle; and (B) the branch circuit does not supply any other receptacles; and (g) notwithstanding Item (f), the entire branch circuit need not be provided with arc-fault protection where (i) an outlet branch-circuit-type arc-fault circuit interrupter is installed at the first outlet on the branch circuit; and (ii) the wiring method for the portion of the branch circuit between the branch circuit overcurrent device and the first outlet consists of metal raceway, armoured cable, or non-metallic conduit or tubing. by a listed arc fault circuit interrupter, combination-type, installed to 11 11

2012 vs. 2015 CE Code 2012 CE Code, Rule 26-722(f) Branch circuits that supply receptacles installed in sleeping facilities of a dwelling unit shall be protected by an arc-fault circuit interrupter 2012 CE Code 2015 CE Code 12 12

2015 CE Code AFCI Requirements Expansion within Dwelling Units Extended coverage to receptacles in other areas than bedrooms Typically includes: Living room, Hallways, Family room, Dining room, rec. rooms, closets. Expanded AFCI Options Combination type AFCI Circuit Breaker AFCI Receptacle installed at the first outlet box of the branch circuit, and use of conduit or armored cable to the first outlet 13 13

26-724(f) Combination-Type AFCI A combination type arc-fault circuit interrupter, installed to provide protection of the entire branch circuit. Combination AFCI Standard TR Receptacle 14 14

26-724(f) Combination-Type AFCI Advantages Protects the entire circuit from the source Disadvantages Legacy loadcenters may not accommodate AFCI circuit breakers No local AFCI reset 15 15

26-724(g) Armoured Cable or Conduit + OBC AFCI If metal raceway, armoured cable, or non-metallic conduit or tubing are installed for the portion of the branch circuit between the branchcircuit overcurrent device and the first outlet, it shall be permitted to install an outlet branch-circuit type AFCI at the first outlet to provide protection for the remaining portion of the circuit. Thermal Mag Circuit Breaker OBC AFCI Receptacle Armored Cable or Conduit 16 16

26-724(g) Armoured Cable or Conduit + OBC AFCI Advantages Allows for local AFCI reset at the receptacle Price advantage to AFCI Breaker Disadvantages Installation of conduit or armoured cable can be costly AFCI receptacle must be located at first outlet and be readily accessible 17 17

Other Considerations Location of the First Receptacle The AFCI receptacle must be placed as the first outlet. Care must be taken to ensure this location is readily accessible. Wiring Practices Because the AFCI receptacle must be placed in the first outlet, the contractor may need to change its wiring practices. 18 18

ONE EATON Eaton is the ONLY company that manufactures AFCI protection in both Circuit Breakers AND Receptacles. 19 19

The Last Word Remember your local Authority Having Jurisdiction has the ultimate say in the application and use of electrical equipment per the prevailing Electrical Code. Be sure to verify the local codes in your province or municipality. 20 20

Collateral/Supporting Documentation Whitepaper AFCI Sales Brochure Website www.eatoncanada.ca www.cooperwiringdevices.com Counter Display 21 21