The 2005 National Electric Code (NEC) required combination arc fault circuit interrupters (CAFI) protect bedroom electrical outlets including receptacles, lights and smoke alarms. The 2005 NEC also establishes a new requirement that a “combination” type AFCI protect the bedroom outlets instead of branch feeder circuit breakers beginning January 1, 2008. The 2008 NEC is expanding this requirement to additional rooms, halls and closets within the home. The combination AFCI (CAFI) “combines” protection from parallel and series arc faults to provide the most comprehensive arc fault protection available.

HOW AFCI TECHNOLOGY WORKS
The CAFI circuit breaker provides arc fault protection for the branch circuit, as well as protection for cord sets and power-supply cords. When an arcing event is detected, the CAFI analyzes the event and the circuit breaker opens when it determines a hazardous condition exists. With the enhanced protection of a CAFI, arcs are detected at levels down to 5 amps, including series arcs, parallel arcs and line-to-ground arcs. Because series arcs are associated with single conductor damage in a cable, damaged devices or cord sets, the enhanced protection that a CAFI provides in this area is significant. 

A branch/feeder AFCI is intended to provide protection of the branch circuit wiring with some protection for cord sets against the hazardous effects of arcing and is installed at a panelboard. The outlet circuit AFCI is intended to provide protection of cord sets and power-supply cords connected to it. This type of device would be installed at an outlet box but is presently not commercially available. In turn, the combination AFCI complies with the requirements of both these UL types to meet the requirement in the NEC.

SQUARE D COMBINATION AFCI CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Introduced in September 2006, the Square D® CAFIs were the first commercially available products on the market designed to comply with the requirements of the NEC for combination AFCI protection. CAFI circuit breakers have the ability to sense and respond to a broader range of arcing incidents, providing enhanced protection against electrical fires for homes. CAFI breakers provide an added dimension of safety for homeowners by sensing and responding to both parallel and series arcing incidents.

Series arcing is often associated with damaged devices or cord sets. A series arc is an arcing incident across a break in a conductor. A common example is a cut across one of the two wires in a lamp cord, with a dangerous arc forming in the gap. Square D CAFI circuit breakers detect the arcing condition and turn off the circuit, thus providing the enhanced protection. Square D combination arc fault circuit breakers are UL-listed, and are available in QO® and Homeline® single-pole circuit breakers with 15 and 20-ampere ratings.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO BE PREPARED
In the states operating under the 2005 NEC, we will need to start transitioning orders for existing product to the new CAFI in the fourth quarter of 2007. The adoption of the 2008 NEC will also bring additional demand for the CAFI product. To help ensure appropriate inventory levels, we will be providing updates throughout the remainder of the year on states that are adopting the 2008 NEC and will help you determine the recommended stocking levels.

Because not every state is up to the current 2005 NEC code, this product is not required in every location. Just because one state doesn’t require this new product, doesn’t mean they won’t get to that point in the near future by staying current with the NEC. We have included a map of the United States detailing which version of the NEC has been adopted in each state.

The catalog numbers and UPC codes for the new CAFI products are:

CATALOG NUMBER                  UPC CODES
QO115CAFIC                            785901610441
QO120CAFIC                            785901698180
HOM115CAFIC                          785901630982
HOM120CAFIC                          785901477150

For more information on the CAFI breaker or the details of the adoption map, contact your local Square D sales representative.

NEC Adoption by State