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Electrical Question about Panels, AFCI and GFCI Requirements


Question: What are the current laws,federal and state for CT. For 2010 for a breaker box

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Electrical Question about Panels, AFCI and GFCI Requirements

Received from a Advanced in Norwich,CT

[ad#block]Question: What are the current laws,federal and state for CT. For 2010 for a breaker box,The best company you would recommend,that the circuit breaker box Has air flow,won’t short circuit,won’t over heat,melt,anything? What is the difference between a Arc Fault,And a Ground Circuit Breaker,also called AFCI’s and GFCI’s,What is the one that is safer for basements and people And do they have a combination of both?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question.

This was a paid question and was answered directly. This topic may be discussed on an upcoming webpage and newsletter.

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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

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This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
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The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Electrical Question about Panels, AFCI and GFCI Requirements”
  1. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Mike,
    AFCI – The Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter is designed to detect arcs which may be from shorted circuit wiring or if a child places a hair pen into a light socket or receptacle. They help protect the circuit and people.
    GFCI – The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is designed to detect voltage that is finding a path to a ground source, and when that condition is detected the circuit or device trips OFF thereby protecting people against electrical shock.
    AFCI should never be used in place of GFCI. GFCI protection is required for hot tubs, bathrooms, outdoor receptacles etc..
    Fave

  2. Mike says:

    What difference between AFCI and GFCI. My understanding is that AFCI is newer, better protection. Can AFCI be used in wet locations in place of GFCI, such as bathroom receptacles,outdoor receptacles,hot tub feed?