Understanding the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code Requirements for Arc-Fault Protection
Geoff Reed, Vladimir V. Gagachev and Michael Hurd
What is an arc fault?
An arc-fault is an unintended arc created by current flowing through an unplanned path.
Arcing creates excessive heat that can easily ignite surrounding materials, such as wood framing or insulation, resulting in a hazardous fire. Typical causes of arc faults are:
• arcing in installed electrical wiring from physi¬cal damage such as:
• wires accidentally punctured by nails or screws
• cables that are stapled tightly against wall studs
• animal and vermin chewing through wiring insulation
• heat, humidity and voltage stress
• arcing at loose connections or joints in the cir¬cuit or at outlets
• arcing in appliance or extension cords
• bent or crimped cords
• brittle or aged cords
• cords under or behind furniture
Arc-fault circuit interrupters
Today’s arc-fault technology, available in both circuit breaker and receptacle form, has been proven via the use of arc-fault circuit breakers, saving lives and property as an industry standard for more than 15 years. The technology has gone through several iterations to reduce unwanted tripping due to non-hazardous arcs that are part of the normal opera¬tion of appliances and devices in the home.
Both AFCI circuit breakers and receptacles are designed to detect both series and parallel arcing con¬ditions. However, an AFCI receptacle will not protect against parallel arcing upstream of the device as the current path does not flow through the AFCI recep¬tacle. A combination AFCI circuit breaker will protect the entire circuit.
Understanding the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code provisions
In simplified terms, arc-fault circuit protection is required in 125Vac, 15A and 20A circuits supplying receptacles throughout the home with the exception of those outlined in the 2015 CE Code. Be reminded that en¬forcement and interpretation of the code is up to the discretion of the local inspection authority having jurisdiction (AJH).
The new Rule 26-724(f) of the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code requires all branch circuits in dwelling units supplying 125V receptacles rated 20A or less to be protected by a Combination-Type arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI), except that branch circuits supplying receptacles installed in accor¬dance with Rules 26-710 (f) and 26-712(d) (i), (iii), (iv) and (v), and those supplying only one receptacle for the connection of a cord-connected sump pump, are exempt from the requirement for arc-fault protection.
A combination-type AFCI is defined in the new Rule 26-720 as a device that provides both series and parallel arc-fault protection to the entire branch circuit wiring, including cord sets and power sup¬ply cords connected to the outlets, against the unwanted effects of arcing.
Outlet branch-circuit-type arc-fault circuit interrupter
Rule 26-720 also defines an Outlet Branch-Circuit-Type AFCI — a device that provides both series and parallel arc-fault protection to downstream branch circuit wiring, cord sets, and power supply cords against the unwanted effects of arcing and also provides series arc-fault protection to upstream branch circuit wiring. The new CE Code Rule 260724 (g) allows the use of an Outlet Branch-Circuit Type arc-fault circuit interrupter (OBC AFCI) instead of the Combination circuit breaker type required with Rule 26-724 (f), provided that the OBC AFCI is installed at the first outlet on the branch circuit and the wir¬ing method for the portion of the branch circuit between the branch-circuit overcurrent device and the first outlet comprises metal raceway, armoured cable, or non-metallic conduit or tubing.
The reason behind the added mechanical protection is that the OBC AFCI does not provide parallel arc-fault protection to the upstream branch circuit wiring. The mechanical protection is to minimize the risk of direct contact and damage to the circuit conductors that could cause arcing and ignition, and to localize the flames should ignition occur.
A look inside an AFCI circuit breaker
See EIN Calendar for upcoming dates of 2015 Canadian Electrical Code Essentials.
Geoff Reed is Product Manager, Residential Power Distribution & Metering Products, Eaton Industries (Canada) Company, Power Distribution Operations; GeoffReed@Eaton.com. Vladimir V. Gagachev is Manager, Codes & Standards, Electrical Sector, Eaton Industries (Canada) Company; VladimirVGagachev@Eaton.com. Michael Hurd is District Manager, Eaton Residential & Wiring Device Division (RWDD); MichaelHurd@Eaton.com.
