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Data Bulletin

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters for NQ PanelboardsArc-D-TectArc-Fault Circuit Interrupters Can Help You Meet the NEC

Class 1640

1640DB0701

03/2008

Replaces 1630DB0201, 04/2002

Comply with the NEC and CEC Arc-Fault

Circuit Interrupter Requirement inCommercial Dwelling Units

Supporting the electrical industrys commitment to electrical safety

The 2005 NEC requires that all branch circuits supplying outlets in dwelling unit

bedrooms be protected by a combination AFCI beginning January 1, 2008.

Dwelling units are defined in Article 100 of the NEC as One or more rooms

for the use of one or more persons as a housekeeping unit with space for

eating, living, and sleeping, and permanent provisions for cooking and

sanitation. This may include dormitories, extended-stay hotels, or other

living units where the occupancy meets the NEC definition of a dwelling unit.

The combination AFCI 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 AFCI analyzes the event and the

circuit breaker opens when it determines a hazardous condition exists.

The diagrams below illustrate the differences between parallel and series

arc faults, both of which would be detected by a combination AFCI device.

With the enhanced protection of a combination AFCI, arcs are detected at

levels down to 5 A, including series arcs, parallel arcs, and 50 mAline-to-ground arcs. Because series arcs are often associated with damaged

devices or cord sets, the enhanced protection that a combination AFCI

provides in this area is significant.

Square D brandAFCIs can be easilydistinguished bytheir white TESTbuttons.

Series Arc Fault Parallel Arc Fault

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Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters for NQ Panelboards 1640DB0701

Data Bulletin 03/2008

Electrical equipment should be installed, operated, serviced, and maintained only by

qualified personnel. No responsibility is assumed by Schneider Electric for any

consequences arising out of the use of this material.

20022008 Schneider Electric All Rights Reserved

Schneider Electric USA

252 North Tippecanoe

Peru, IN 46970 USA

1-888-SquareD (1-888-778-2733)

www.us.SquareD.com

Schneider Electrics commitment to electrical safety continues with

the combination AFCI

Schneider Electric, through its Square Dbrand of circuit breakers, has

released the worlds first commercially available combination arc-fault circuit

breaker well in advance of the January 1, 2008 effective date specified in

the NEC.

The combination AFCI combines the protection of the branch/feeder AFCI

and the outlet circuit AFCI to provide the most comprehensive arc fault

protection. The UL standard describes the types of AFCIs as follows:

Branch/Feeder AFCI: A device intended to be installed at the origin of a

branch circuit or feeder, such as at a panelboard. It is intended to provide

protection of the branch circuit wiring or feeder wiring (or both) against

unwanted effects of arcing. This device also provides limited protection to

branch circuit extension wiring. It may be a circuit-breaker type device or a

device in its own enclosure mounted at or near a panelboard.

Outlet Circuit AFCI: A device intended to be installed at a branch circuit

outlet, such as at an outlet box. It is intended to provide protection of cord

sets and power-supply cords connected to it (when provided with receptacle

outlets) against the unwanted effects of arcing. This device may providefeed-through protection of the cord sets and power-supply cords connected

to downstream receptacles.

Combination AFCI: An AFCI that complies with the requirements for both

branch/feeder and outlet circuit AFCIs. It is intended to protect downstream

branch circuit wiring and cord sets, and powersupply cords.

When Should You Install Arc-FaultCircuit Interrupters?

Consider adding AFCI protection for both new and existing dwelling units.

Older structures with ordinary circuit breakers can benefit from the added

protection against the arcing faults that can occur in aging wiring systems.

The wiring of a combination AFCI circuit breaker is identical to that used for

a standard branch/feeder AFCI or GFCI circuit breaker. Be sure to have a

qualified electrician install AFCIs.

Contact your local Schneider Electric sales representative for more

information about this circuit protection product.

Arc Condition

Branch/Feeder

OutletCircuit

Combination

Line-to-neutral Yes Yes Yes

Line-to-ground Yes Yes Yes

Series arcing No Yes Yes

Protection of entire branch circuit Yes No Yes1

1 When located at the origin of the branch circuit.

120/240 Vac Source

Equipment Ground

HotN A B

120 V

120 V 120 V

120 V Duplex

Receptacle

Neutral

1-pole

AFCI

S/N

GND