Replace 2-pole breaker with AFCI breaker?
#1
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Replace 2-pole breaker with AFCI breaker?
Hi,
My contractor installed a 2-pole 20 Amp breaker, where 1 slot is for my media closet outlet and another slot is for my dishwasher. (Please see attached picture.)
I had a few questions regarding this configuration:
1. I wanted my media closet outlet to be on its own circuit, separate from the dishwasher. Is this possible given that a 2-pole breaker is installed?
2. Will a running dishwasher and computer equipment simultaneously likely cause the breaker to trip?
Info on the dishwasher:
Volts: 120V, Amperes: 12, Watts: 1450 (max)
To make the 2-pole breaker trip, would the dishwasher and computers have to be using >40 Amps simultaneously?
3. Would it be recommended to replace the 2-pole breaker with one AFCI breaker for the media closet, and one 1-pole breaker for the dishwasher?
The media closet is in between 2 bedrooms at the end of a hallway, and will be used for computer equipment. So I though an AFCI breaker for the media closet might be safer?
Thank you in advance.
My contractor installed a 2-pole 20 Amp breaker, where 1 slot is for my media closet outlet and another slot is for my dishwasher. (Please see attached picture.)
I had a few questions regarding this configuration:
1. I wanted my media closet outlet to be on its own circuit, separate from the dishwasher. Is this possible given that a 2-pole breaker is installed?
2. Will a running dishwasher and computer equipment simultaneously likely cause the breaker to trip?
Info on the dishwasher:
Volts: 120V, Amperes: 12, Watts: 1450 (max)
To make the 2-pole breaker trip, would the dishwasher and computers have to be using >40 Amps simultaneously?
3. Would it be recommended to replace the 2-pole breaker with one AFCI breaker for the media closet, and one 1-pole breaker for the dishwasher?
The media closet is in between 2 bedrooms at the end of a hallway, and will be used for computer equipment. So I though an AFCI breaker for the media closet might be safer?
Thank you in advance.
#2
There is only one two pole AFCI, but I don't remember the brand. If your circuit is wired in a 3 wire cable you most likely cannot use the AFCI unless your panel happens to be that one brand. If AFCI protection was needed the installers should have used two cables.
A two pole 20 amp breaker trips at 20 amps, not 40.
A two pole 20 amp breaker trips at 20 amps, not 40.
#3
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Siemens/Murray have 2 pole AFCI. One option is to put in a sub-panel. Or install AFCI receptacles where it splits.
#4
1. I wanted my media closet outlet to be on its own circuit, separate from the dishwasher. Is this possible given that a 2-pole breaker is installed?
2. Will a running dishwasher and computer equipment simultaneously likely cause the breaker to trip?
Would it be recommended to replace the 2-pole breaker with one AFCI breaker for the media closet, and one 1-pole breaker for the dishwasher?
It appears that Cutler Hammer BR does make a 2 pole AFCI breaker. Search "Eaton BRL220AF" Be sure to be sitting down when you see the price.
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Thank you very much for all of your replies. Yes, that 2-pole AFCI breaker sure does cost an arm and a leg.
I remember that the installers used a 12/2 wire for the media closet. Is it still possible for the dishwasher and media closet to be tied together and to be on separate circuits?
Thank you.
I remember that the installers used a 12/2 wire for the media closet. Is it still possible for the dishwasher and media closet to be tied together and to be on separate circuits?
Thank you.
#6
I remember that the installers used a 12/2 wire for the media closet. Is it still possible for the dishwasher and media closet to be tied together and to be on separate circuits?
If you open the panel you will likely see a 12/3 cable (black,red,white,ground) off the breaker going out. The cable, I'm guessing, goes to the dishwasher where one circuit stops, and then a 12/2 goes to the media center. The Dishwasher is on a dedicated circuit, as is your media center.
I'm not really sure what the concern is as your dishwasher is only 12 amps and should never trip the circuit. Unless there is something very wrong, then it would be a good thing that it trips as it will save your bacon.
Last edited by Tolyn Ironhand; 03-14-14 at 11:41 AM.
#8
Well you can cook fish in a dishwasher so maybe you can cook bacon too though I though you usually used your car manifold for that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N8q2xkirCQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N8q2xkirCQ
#9
I though you usually used your car manifold for that.
Replace 2-pole breaker with AFCI breaker?
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Thank you, Toyln, for your reply. I appreciate the info you provided.
It sounds like the current configuration ok.
@CasualJoe, the reason I considered using an AFCI breaker for the media center is that that it is right next to a bedroom, and the outlet is in a wall shared between the media center and the bedroom. In CA at least, I believe bedrooms circuits have to have an AFCI breaker by code. So I thought it might be safer to do so for the media center. On the other hand, we've already passed final inspection, though I doubt the inspector even noticed the media center.
In any case, I was considering replacing the two-pole breaker with an 1 AFCI breaker for the media center, and 1 one-pole breaker for the dishwasher. However, it sounds like it may not be necessary.
It sounds like the current configuration ok.
@CasualJoe, the reason I considered using an AFCI breaker for the media center is that that it is right next to a bedroom, and the outlet is in a wall shared between the media center and the bedroom. In CA at least, I believe bedrooms circuits have to have an AFCI breaker by code. So I thought it might be safer to do so for the media center. On the other hand, we've already passed final inspection, though I doubt the inspector even noticed the media center.
In any case, I was considering replacing the two-pole breaker with an 1 AFCI breaker for the media center, and 1 one-pole breaker for the dishwasher. However, it sounds like it may not be necessary.
#12
If it isn't required, I think I'd just replace the 2 pole breaker with two single pole breakers and a handle tie.
@CasualJoe, the reason I considered using an AFCI breaker for the media center is that that it is right next to a bedroom, and the outlet is in a wall shared between the media center and the bedroom. In CA at least, I believe bedrooms circuits have to have an AFCI breaker by code. So I thought it might be safer to do so for the media center. On the other hand, we've already passed final inspection, though I doubt the inspector even noticed the media center.
#13
Joe,
If he were to do that, would he not have to shut off both circuits to reset one anyways?
I think what the electrician did was goofy. Personally I would have the media center on a dedicated circuit so you run less risk of having to shut it off and wait for everything to reset.
If he were to do that, would he not have to shut off both circuits to reset one anyways?
I think what the electrician did was goofy. Personally I would have the media center on a dedicated circuit so you run less risk of having to shut it off and wait for everything to reset.
#15
Joe,
If he were to do that, would he not have to shut off both circuits to reset one anyways?
If he were to do that, would he not have to shut off both circuits to reset one anyways?
#16
Ahh I see what you're getting at here.
MWBC needs a 2 pole here too.
pcboss, maybe I'm using the term wrong here. I'm referring to a receptacle with its own hot and neutral for the media center.
MWBC needs a 2 pole here too.
pcboss, maybe I'm using the term wrong here. I'm referring to a receptacle with its own hot and neutral for the media center.