Q0120AFCI

[hunter]

Hi,
Could someone please tell me what a Q0120AFCI means and how much it costs?
Thanks

[Rich]

*shrug*

[Tom R]

Sounds like a 120 volt 'QO' brand 'Arc-Fault-Circuit-Interrupter', which is a protective circuit-breaker device which will turn off the circuit in the case of an 'arcing', fire-hazardous, loose connection. My guess, though I've never bought one, is about $60-$80/each.

This question will be better answered by Vector or Sparks.

[hunter]

Thanks for the info.. I was charged $50 each for 4 of them and I did not know what it was...Do you know if each one turns off one particular circuit or is it for the entire breaker box ? Could be a dumb question...sorry..

[Tom R]

Not a dumb question at all, - - I believe it would be a separate one for each circuit.

[roger g]

I believe that those arc fault things are a new addition to the Canadian electrical code and all bedroom receptacles must be on one.


roger

[Dragon]

I Googled that and guess what the one hit I got was.

HERE!

[Vector]

Sounds like a 120 volt 'QO' brand 'Arc-Fault-Circuit-Interrupter', which is a protective circuit-breaker device which will turn off the circuit in the case of an 'arcing', fire-hazardous, loose connection. My guess, though I've never bought one, is about $60-$80/each.

This question will be better answered by Vector or Sparks.

Nope. You answered it perfectly.

Well, actually, the brand is Square D, QO is the model line, it's their higher-grade stuff (Homeline being the cheaper line). $50 ea. is a fair price.

I've gotta pick up four of those things myself one of these days.

[Vector]

I believe that those arc fault things are a new addition to the Canadian electrical code and all bedroom receptacles must be on one.


roger

In the US, they were added to the NEC in 2002, required to be on all bedroom circuits.

[Rich]

I Googled that and guess what the one hit I got was.

HERE!

haha.. well now everyone will know what it is :)

[TnAndy]

They are a device invented by Square D ( and licensed to other manufactureres ) to increase profits and make life miserable for homeowners. They got them included in the code, so now we're stuck with using the damn things. The theory behind them is they prevent fires from electrical arc between the hot and neutral, which is probably a one in a million event, but if you unplug anything while it's using electricity, the resulting little arc will trip 'em, making you walk down to the panel to re-set the breaker.

It's like when they first came out with Ground Fault Interrupters, in the 70's, they only came in breaker versions and were WAY overpriced. Now you can get them in recepticle version for 5 bucks. We've got about 15 more years of patent protection and profits for SqD before these get reasonable in price and convenience.

[kadoka]

Just purchased 4 Ard fault breakers (15 amp) at Home Depot and there were a little over $30.00 each. They have to be used in all bedrooms. It sure is nice that Uncle Sam worries about our safety so much. :wink: