[A/S] New type of gfci by square-d

["Griffin, Mark" <mark.griff@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi All,

Since I'm doing this quest for a 30 amp gfci I ran
across this item, for anyone interested. - Mark

Arc faults can start fires anywhere in the home. They usually start
silently... often in interior walls or other places hidden from view...when
electrical products or wires are damaged, aged or improperly used. They can
be caused by something as innocent as puncturing a wire while hanging a
picture... or pushing furniture against an electrical plug.
As many as 150,000 homes are damaged annually due to fires of electrical
origin, and a significant portion of these fires result from arc faults.
Arcing generates high intensity heat and expels burning particles that can
easily ignite combustible materials.
Four years ago, Square D began field testing the first prototypes of a major
technology breakthrough known in the industry as "arc-fault circuit
interrupters" (AFC). In 1996, Square D proposed that the NEC add arc-fault
circuit protection for all 15 and 20 amp circuits in residences. After two
years of NEC panel review, the NEC has adopted the requirement for AFCI
protection for bedroom outlet circuits. The 1999 NEC will include this
requirement; however, the actual implementation will not be required until
January 1, 2002.
How does it work?
The Square D Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter features a microprocessor for arc
detection. It will detect and trip three types of arc faults:
· Series arcs (single conductor)
· Line-to-neutral arcs (short circuit)
· Line to ground arcs (grounded conductor)
Square D will offer AFCIs for 15 and 20A single pole devices for both our
QOâ and HOMELINEâ brands. The product looks much like our GFCI devices,
except it is 5/8" longer than the GFCI and features a blue "push-to-test"
button. It will be wired exactly the same as the GFCI.
The key benefit to homeowners? The potential for fires generated by arc
faults will be reduced because Arc-D-tect AFCIs will now be available as an
integral part of the QO and HOMELINE circuit breaker product lines.