GFCI/AFCI breaker questions


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Old 02-03-18, 04:14 PM
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Question GFCI/AFCI breaker questions

- Are GFCI or AFCI or combo breakers wider than standard breakers?
- I live in a split level house (3 levels) where potentially my top floor is going to be cutting very close to the 50' limit of the AFCI breaker. Should I install the breaker AND the outlet or just the outlet or just the breaker?
- Are wirenuts inside a breaker box allowed? Are there any special rules?

Thanks!
 
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Old 02-03-18, 06:35 PM
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There is no circuit length restrictions on afci breakers. You must be thinking about afci outlets.
I would use afci breaker with gfci outlet. Wire nuts are allowed in the panel.
 
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Old 02-03-18, 06:46 PM
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Breaker size varies with brand and version but are usually the same size.
AFCI breaker with GFCI receptacle (assume bathroom) is the norm.
Wirenuts allowed in most areas. I heard some Canadian areas don't like them.

Never heard of a 50' limit. Sorry - 50' limit is for box to 1st AFCI receptacle for 14 gauge wire, 70' for 12 gauge. Don't hear about that very often as most use AFCI breakers.
 
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Old 02-04-18, 08:20 AM
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- Are GFCI or AFCI or combo breakers wider than standard breakers?
No, but they will be full size breakers (mostly 1") and not thin like you would find in some panels (ex: GE THQP)

cutting very close to the 50' limit of the AFCI breaker. Should I install the breaker AND the outlet or just the outlet or just the breaker?
A AFCI breaker will protect the entire circuit. There is no need for an additional AFCI receptacle (outlet) on the circuit.

- Are wirenuts inside a breaker box allowed? Are there any special rules?
In the USA yes, but it is not allowed in Canada. You just cannot fill the panel over 40% the cross sectional area with conductors or 75% with taps, which is rather difficult to do anyway.
 
 

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