Electrical Question from Vic about AFCI Circuit

Question: After expanding a bedroom, the city says I need an arc-fault breaker, but the wiring uses a “shared Neutral”.
Have you heard of any breakers compatible with this?

Electrical Wiring Video How to Wire a GFCI Outlet without a Ground Wire
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Electrical Question from Vic about Circuit Breaker

Received from Vic a Homeowner in Costa Mesa, California.

Question:
After expanding a bedroom, the city says I need an arc-fault breaker, but the wiring uses a “shared Neutral”.
Have you heard of any breakers compatible with this?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question.

AFCI Circuit Breaker and AFCI Circuit Wiring

Vic, A shared neutral wire, or a multi-wired circuit will not work on a AFCI circuit breaker. Typically a AFCI circuit does not have a shred neutral wire to ensure the AFCI protection works properly.

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Electrical Tips

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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 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.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester

This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
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Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter

A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.

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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.