Are CAFI or AFI Arc-Fault circuit breakers available for NF Panelboards?
Issue:
For NF panelboards, does Schneider Electric offer arc-fault branch circuit breakers?
Product Line:
EDB, EGB, EJB breakers for NF Panelboards
Environment:
Products sold in North America
Resolution:
Arc-fault circuit breakers are not available for NF panelboards.
The requirement for Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection is outlined in Article 210.12 of the National Electric Code (NFPA-70, 2011 Edition), and is for 120V, 15 and 20A branch circuits, in dwelling units. 120V is the phase to neutral voltage, and can be found in 120/240V 1-phase/3-wire, and 208Y/120V 3-phase/4-wire systems. At these voltages, type NQ panelboards should be used, with QO(B) arc-fault circuit breakers. QO(B) breaker are not for use in NF Panelboards.
NF panelboards, and their respective EDB/EGB/EJB circuit breakers, are designed and listed to be used at the higher voltage of 480Y/277V. While electrical codes can change, currently there is no requirement for arc-fault circuit breakers at 277V. Therefore, arc-fault breakers are not available for NF Panelboards.
In summary, if arc-fault breakers are required in a Panelboard, assuming the system has 120V phase to neutral, choose type NQ Panelboards and QO(B) arc-fault breakers.
For NF panelboards, does Schneider Electric offer arc-fault branch circuit breakers?
Product Line:
EDB, EGB, EJB breakers for NF Panelboards
Environment:
Products sold in North America
Resolution:
Arc-fault circuit breakers are not available for NF panelboards.
The requirement for Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection is outlined in Article 210.12 of the National Electric Code (NFPA-70, 2011 Edition), and is for 120V, 15 and 20A branch circuits, in dwelling units. 120V is the phase to neutral voltage, and can be found in 120/240V 1-phase/3-wire, and 208Y/120V 3-phase/4-wire systems. At these voltages, type NQ panelboards should be used, with QO(B) arc-fault circuit breakers. QO(B) breaker are not for use in NF Panelboards.
NF panelboards, and their respective EDB/EGB/EJB circuit breakers, are designed and listed to be used at the higher voltage of 480Y/277V. While electrical codes can change, currently there is no requirement for arc-fault circuit breakers at 277V. Therefore, arc-fault breakers are not available for NF Panelboards.
In summary, if arc-fault breakers are required in a Panelboard, assuming the system has 120V phase to neutral, choose type NQ Panelboards and QO(B) arc-fault breakers.
Released for: Schneider Electric Canada
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