As an electrical designer I think it's a terrible idea. I live in a new 3 story townhouse in Sacramento CA and the electrical contractors on the project have no idea how the AFCI circuits work or how to install them. There has been nothing but trouble or they just don't install them. There is so much nuisance tripping that owners just swap them out for the standard breaker. I’ve seen it first hand. Many times the inspectors so happen to not notice. If AFCI is going to take over the world of residential construction then they need to reduce the hazard tripping. Most people do not like AFCI, as for myself…I think it’s too early to implement this device on such a scale. The bugs need to be worked out first. I understand trying to protect the people but you can’t protect stupid people, they’ll screw it up some how! Andrew
|