ARC-Fault Circuit Breakers

[BJC]

Not exactly a power question but I know I can get a good answer here.
The 2002 NEC requires arc fault circuit interupters in bedrooms of houses and hotels. The reason is that arcing fault start a lot of fires. Most of the time it's when there feeding unit heaters or electric blankets etc that people leave on when they are sleeping.
My question is will they open a circuit if they are feeding a device that arcs under normal conditions, for example hair dryers, refridgerators ( small ones in hotel rooms) or anything with a universal motor.
I don't know how the things work but I think they would have to sense noise on the circuit.
Thanks
BJ Conner

 

[JBD]

Arc-fault breakers are designed to sense parallel arcing faults (line to neutral or ground). They will not respond to series faults such as normal arcing in motors or switches. Also they will not protect against loose or poor connections which are a type of series fault.

There have been all sorts of discussions on these devices at

http://www.electrical-contractor.net.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: Visit

http://www.eaton.com/innovate/right1.html

http://www.geindustrial.com/cwc/products?pnlid=3&famid=8&catid=36&id=cb-qafci

for more info. The arc has to be an erratic discharge current.