Code Corner: Arc-Fault Breakers

May 13, 2024 by Daniel Carrero

IRC

Did You Know …

Arc-Fault Code Change Will Increase Project Costs

When Montgomery County adopts new building codes later this year, one change will significantly increase the cost of your projects: Arc-fault circuit-interrupters (AFCIs). With safety comes cost.

Impact | High: In theory, AFCIs are a great safety improvement. When an arc is detected, AFCIs interrupt the circuit and automatically shut off power, which significantly reduces electrical fire risks. However, AFCIs are more sensitive than traditional circuit breakers and are notorious for having nuisance trips. Appliances, fans, and heaters can provide false alarms to an AFCI, causing unnecessary power shut-off which leads to too many resets for you at your electrical panel.

A workaround is to install combination breakers. However, each one costs about $20 more than AFCI-only breakers, which run around $70, compared to standard breakers that cost $8 each. The change will add substantial cost to anyone doing permitted electrical work on a property. Think of it as the cost of added safety for your home.

Learn more here!

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