Question about the new 2023 NEC rule on AFCI protection for kitchen fridge circuits

I had to choose between installing a dual-function AFCI/GFCI breaker or trying to use a regular AFCI with a GFCI outlet for a fridge circuit in a Reno job last month. Went with the dual-function Siemens QF220A because I figured one device was less hassle than two. It went fine, but now I'm hearing some guys say the dual-functions can nuisance trip more on fridges. Has anyone else run into that with the Siemens ones specifically?

2 comments

2 Comments

garcia.miles10d agoTop Commenter

Good call going with the dual function, that's the cleanest install. The nuisance trip thing is real with any fridge that has a variable speed compressor, those things put out some weird harmonics. Siemens are actually better than some other brands for it, but you still might get a trip on the initial startup surge if the fridge is older.

emmar7510d ago

Actually, I've had the opposite experience with Siemens. Their boards seem overly sensitive to any load with a motor, even new ones. My neighbor's brand new Bosch fridge tripped his Siemens breaker twice last month. It's not just an age thing, it's how they're calibrated from the factory.