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Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Question:
Re: CQD answer published Thursday, June 9, 2016 - Replacement Receptacles
I would beg to differ with you on the 406 requirements that you listed in your response to Wednesday’s question. AFCI devices must be listed to work with the breaker and panel that they are being install with. Breaker manufactures want to sell AFCI’s(or dual devices) and won’t list their breakers to work with an AFCI device from another manufacture. For example, Square D breakers are not listed to be used with Pass and Seymour AFCI devices and so forth throughout the industry. Our AHJ will not allow the 2 to mix because it would be a code violation. We are attempting to make homes safer and keep running into obstacles like this that makes it expensive and difficult to accomplish.
Mark Yates
A
Answer:
Hey Mark thanks for your comment. Your concept is valid based on the wording in 210.12(A)(4)(d) which requires the branch circuit overcurrent device and the outlet type AFCI to be listed as being identified as a system type combination. But 406.4(D)(4)(1) does not have the same wording and allows a listed outlet outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter receptacle without it being listed as being identified as a system type combination with the branch circuit overcurrent device.
Although there is no NEC language to support it I've heard some say it is because it is better to get some level of protection than to make a presently unrealistic or unavailable option the only compliant solution. Many would likely leave a damaged receptacle in place because the rule doesn't apply until it is replaced.