The new 2-pole device can reduce wiring costs and installation time by enabling contractors to use multi-wire branch circuits, commonly known as “shared neutrals”. When using single pole CAFCIs, a dedicated neutral is required for each circuit. The new 2-pole CAFCI allows electricians to share neutrals between the two circuits fed by the breaker.
Siemens’ CAFCIs meet all requirements of the current and proposed codes. The Combination Type AFCIs have been listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL®) and are available for use on 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits.
Siemens Combination Type AFCIs are equipped with Siemens patented unique LED trip indicators, which help electricians and home owners pinpoint the type of problems that may cause the device to trip. The LEDs located near the handle of the circuit breaker can distinguish whether the trip was caused by arcing faults, arcing to ground, or over current conditions. Additionally, the new 2-pole CAFCIs indicate the leg on which the arcing fault was detected based on which single LED is illuminated.
“Arc faults are extremely dangerous because they generally occur in wiring that is behind drywall or in attics, going undetected until a fire breaks out. This is why Siemens is continuing to invest in research and development and partners with industry innovators to keep improving arc fault technology,” said Dennis Sadlowski, president and CEO of Siemens Energy & Automation. “Siemens ability to be the first to market with the 2-pole Combination Type AFCI is a testament to our commitment to providing our customers with the most advanced technology in home electrical safety."
Siemens Combination Type AFCIs are the most compact device on the market. As a result, they are retrofitable for all Siemens, Murray, I-T-E, and Crouse-Hinds load centers and meter load center combinations. Additionally, Siemens’ “INSTAWIRETM” feature included in all Siemens load centers saves time during installation.
Combination Type AFCIs, which protect against all three possible types of arc fault, improve on the protection offered by the branch/feeder AFCIs currently permitted by the 1999-2002 NEC®. Branch/feeder AFCIs protect only against line-to-ground and line-to-neutral arcs, known as parallel or high-energy arcs.
Combination Type AFCIs, which are required by 2005-2008 NEC as of Jan. 1, 2008, protect against both of these arc faults plus series arcs, which can be caused by broken conductors, loose screws and a host of other invisible faults.For more about Siemens Combination Type Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters for residential applications, log on to: http://www.sea.siemens.com/afci.
About Siemens
Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. is one of Siemens’ operating companies in the U.S. Headquartered in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta, Ga., Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. manufactures and markets one of the world’s broadest ranges of electrical and electronic products, systems and services to industrial and construction market customers. Its technologies range from circuit protection and energy management systems to process control, industrial software and totally integrated automation solutions. The company also has expertise in systems integration, technical services and turnkey industrial systems. For more information:
www.sea.siemens.com.
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, and operates in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. For more than 160 years, Siemens has built a reputation for leading-edge innovation and the quality of its products, services and solutions. With 428,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide sales of $116.6 billion in fiscal 2008. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA reported sales of $22.4 billion and employs approximately 69,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. For more information on Siemens in the United States, visit: