Chris Hill is misinformed!

The "arc fault" function of these breakers do NOT respond to the high
current that results when "...a short between hot
and neutral caused by wire damage". That's what a regular breaker does -
respond to excessive current.

An arc fault interrupter (breaker) is designed to sense the condition that
occurs when a intermittent connection produces an arc and therefore,
possibly heat. For example, a wire loosely connected to a wall switch or
lamp fixture might arc and therefore produce undesirable heat, but would not
cause the current to increase.

Likewise, this fault would not result in a current imbalance between the
supply wire (black) and the return wire (white) and, therefore, would not be
detected by a traditional GFCI.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) recently added a requirement that all
bedroom outlets be protected with an arc fault interrupter device. Note -
generally this only refers to new or rehab. work, not to existing homes.
Also remember that the NEC is a set of recommended rules but your community
code is what applies to your property.

"Chris Hill" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 22 Oct 2004 12:47:40 GMT, "cm"
wrote:

Can some one please educate me on arc fault breakers. Wha t is there
purpose? What are some of the reasons one might trip in a new house?

Thanks,


Designed to shut down if an arc is detected, aka a short between hot
and neutral caused by wire damage. They will trip if you do something
as simple as plugging a small fluorescent light when it is already
turned on. Their main purpose is to drive up the cost of new
construction; additional safety is just a side benefit.