TokaMundo wrote:
On 16 Aug 2005 14:20:41 -0700, Gave us:


in any case they will not detect the heating that occurs on an aluminum
conenction that has started to oxidize.


It will if it gets "noisy" enough.


The manufacturers do not make it clear that AFCIs cannot detect series
arcs, such as those resulting from an oxidizing connection, until they
progress to a ground fault which draws at least thirty milliamperes. If
the arcing connection does not cause a ground fault the AFCI cannot
detect it and the heat it generates can kindle a fire. They can detect
a parallel arc such as when a screw penetrates a cable and causes a high
resistance arcing fault between the current carrying conductors. Such
parallel arcs are not that common.
--
Tom Horne

"This alternating current stuff is just a fad. It is much too dangerous
for general use." Thomas Alva Edison