electricians? Breakers, GFCI, AFCI

[redneck joe]

Our 'new house' is a 79 model rancher. Fancy for the day and it has a 20x22 shed that used to have power for lighting and HVAC.. No longer. It also used to have a 2 bedroom MIL place but that burned down in the 90s and all is left is a failing block foundation. We will be pushing that into istel soon. So, quite the compound for back on the day with riverfront property.

So that a bit of history. The electric panel is wonked, which i knew going in. $2500 to replace with all new.

But with a house this old and unknown history of who did work here (there are additional light and switches and stuff added - several junction boxes in the attic) i think the double the expense of an AFCI panel is worth it ofer breakers, or just go with all GFCI panel?

 

[alldodge]

No electrician here but it's my understanding that there are GFCI and AFCI breakers. Current code

The 2020 NEC® states that Arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall be provided as required in 210.12(A), (B), (C), and (D). The arc-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in a readily accessible location.

(A) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by any of the means described in 210.12(A)(1) through (6)

IMO the above says to use them where ever a vacuum can be plugged into

So AFCI breakers in panel and GFCI receptacles where needed

Oh and last time I went to look for a GFCI breaker I couldn't find one, only AFCI breakers. I know they still make them but none where on the shelf

 

[redneck joe]

yeah know its current code. I'm pretty good at most things save electrical. Dig up my thread here to prove my point, and that was 12v...

Electrical scares me because i know it can cause fires when done wrong and in my handyman work plus the houses i've owned plus helping friends and family over the years i've seen some scary sh.t