Circuit Breaker

[kipper09100]

i think i got a circuit breaker because everytime my mum irons the electric goes off

it never happens to anything elese like watching tv or playing on xbox

weird init

[MIKON8ERISBACK]

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter = AFCI.

[Osmfaec]

Oh thank god you're finally telling people to hire a professional.

After watching a few of your electrical videos ( how to install S3 and S4's ) I was getting worried that you where going to tell people how install breakers, which would end up causing more injury than you intended to prevent.

[sniperusg50]

in the uk we call them RCBO's. they cost around £30 each. whats as good and cheaper is a split load RCD bord. look it up yanks your getting left behind by the rest of the world.

[captain150]

@sniperusg50 Nope, RCBO stands for residual current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection. In North America, we call those GFCIs, which stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. RCBO/GFCIs are used, mainly, to prevent electrocution of people. They've been used in North America for decades.

This video is talking about AFCIs, arc fault circuit interrupters. They open the circuit if they detect arcing, which will prevent many house fires. AFCIs are very new.

[AsktheBuilder]

@captain150 AFCI's have been around for about ten years. This video was taped 2000-2001.

[captain150]

@AsktheBuilder True. "Very new" is a tad inaccurate, though AFCIs are new compared to GFCIs, heh. :)

[AsktheBuilder]

@captain150 Indeed! I remember when GFCIs came out in the mid-1970s. Back then they were $45 each. That was huge money back then.

[rizalovely]

thanks

[AsktheBuilder]

@jjkindseth There are two breakers here in the USA that do that. The one shown in this video and the traditional Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. This one, the Arc Fault had issues when first released about being overly sensitive in some cases.

[hatsgoods]

can your you put a gfci plug on a afci breaker?

[electricmike13]

The NEC states that only the devices in living areas like livingroom, bed room, hallways, and all lighting are to be protected by these. So not every circuit is required to be. You don't need them for any kitchen appliance circuits or garage circuits.

[LIcensedContractor]

The new US 2008 NEC 210.12b states all 15 & 20 amp circuits (in a home) shall use this type c/b. Many homes will need special twin arc-fault circuit breakers in order to upgrade, because of the branch circuit wiring where a neutral was shared. Contact a qualified electrical contractor for how you can protect your home and family with this new equipment.

[ajpchipmunk]

what the dont tell you is your refrig plug in as the compressor starts to die slowly over years of use trips the AFCI and vacs constantly trip AFCIs more of a pain in the ass then the amount of fires the Might stop

[victor1904619]

@ajpchipmunk AFCI devices are only to be installed in newly built bedrooms only! not in kitchens! GFCI are installed in any wet locations

[spongbob202]

those breakers are 150 dollars canadian

[night3x]

This that meen that when I will use ignision switch on my oven it will open circuit? :D

Arc is nothing more than spontainuos overload in circuit. So we might say tradicional CB with sensitive overload characteristic will work same as "arc braker".

[coffeeandsugar20]

Can I install these myself? I know how, but don't want to risk voiding my homeowners insurance.

[prolodyne]

Are these breakers different from the ones that sense an imbalance between hot and return?

[AsktheBuilder]

You should ask this at the Customer Service page of a breaker manufacturer's website.

[sim2lew]

Those are MCBs, they are overload protectors.

RCD's find an imbalance between phase and neutral. We can get them for about £15 each from a wholesaler.

[piousa]

The NEC requires for all new constructions and renovations at home the use of ARC Breakers, for all of them at the panel, think smart, may they are a little expensive but is cheaper in case of accident or fire.

[ericwpg]

Oh and pay attention to usage as in if you have a shorting device (read heater) Yes you may have a fire. Any cords that you have that get hot signal a fire hazard, warm is OK but hot means it's beyond it's limits and is a problem.

[ericwpg]

128.56 Each Which circuits are the most important do

you think Because certainly I cant do all 38

[crustyHO]

ericwpg I'd concentrate on the high ampere circuits, such as your stove/range, water heater, dryer, HVAC equipment(though may cause false tripping due to induction when equipment turns off), and on circuits that use a lot of current, such as a welder or compressor in the garage.

[lucybob22]

if it is blowing like a pop sound normally means you a have earth to live fault. best to switch the breaker on holding an insulated screwdiver.