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Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Question:
Dear CQD, we have recently purchased a home that has
“Knob and Tube” wiring throughout. We have several proposals for remedying this. One includes an “
ARC Fault Breaker”. When I stated to them this would not correctly protect or do anything for the ungrounded 3 prong outlets, I was told it was code and a GFCI Breaker was not. I requested a combo. I want to check on the Arc Fault Breaker and the code surrounding it. Can I request just a GFCI breaker or do I need a combo. Thank you, Brittany Wackerly
A
Answer:
Hi Brittany, thanks for the question. There are a couple of things to unpack here as the requirements for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) can be extensive, applying to both new and existing/replacement wiring type projects. Additionally, the AFCI and GFCI requirements are often required for devices and/or branch circuits in same areas.
If the scope of the project includes modification or extensions of the existing Knob and Tube wiring the following rules would apply:
- Article 394 – Concealed Knob and Tube
- Section 210.12(D) – AFCI protection of Dwelling Unit Branch-Circuit Extensions or Modifications.
If the scope of the project includes installing new wiring to replace the Knob and Tube wiring, the new wiring would have to comply with all applicable NEC® requirements including those found in:
- Section 210.8(A)(1) - (11) GFCI Protection for Personnel – Dwelling Units
- Section 210.12(A) AFCI Protection – Dwelling Units
If the scope of the project includes the replacement of the existing receptacles the following Code Sections would apply:
- Section 406.4(D)(2) – Non-Grounding Type Receptacle Replacement Methods
- Section 406.4(D)(3) – GFCI Protection of Replacement Receptacles
- Section 406.4(D)(4) – AFCI Protection of Replacement Receptacles
Hope this helps.