"bud--" wrote in message
b.com...
On 2/27/2014 2:55 PM, Robert Green wrote:
"bud--" wrote in message

AFCI detection can be done without ground fault detection - then the
neutral would probably not have to connect through the AFCI. The ground
fault feature (usually at 30 mA) adds to the fault problems the AFCI
will detect.

I am not sure I follow. Is this saying that I could connect the AFCI
breakers without the pigtails and still have arc but not ground fault
protection? Surely this would give the AHJ conniptions.

It is easier to make an AFCI that does not have ground fault protection;
I don't see why the neutral would have to go through then. But the UL
standard requires ground fault protection, which means the neutral has
to go through the AFCI (else it would trip on any load).

I just saw this message - the dog unsubbed me from the group which did a lot
of nasty things. It explains the pigtail. Thanks.

stuff snipped

UL tests to a standard. I doubt the standard for receptacles has any
tests for a thermal trip. The standard could be revised, or a different
standard written, but I doubt that has happened.

With the evidence for AFCI being so sketchy, I am sure there's even less
evidence that TPO's prevent fires.

That feature may provide additional protection. It should be a lot
faster than an AFCI trip on ground fault through carbonized plastic.

The price is low enough that I will probably pick up a few to test,
although
the testing is going to be destructive. If it does catch a deliberately
"half plugged" line cord then I suppose I'll use them in the high
current
outlets in the kitchen and where I have space heaters operating. The
melted
outlets I've experienced probably would not have started fires (fingers
crosses) but they did make an awful smell and scared my wife quite a
bit.

Hey - great idea for a new device - a SFCI
(stink-fault-circuit-interrupter).

Don't laugh. A meltdown of an early model Lights Of America (made in China)
CFL burned out with a horrific smell that freaked my wife out for days.
Spousal Foul odor Circuit Interrupter. No fire and no realistic probability
of one, but the stink was sure a black mark for CFLs in her book.

--
Bobby G.