Originally Posted by
Speedy Petey
No.
Just because no AFCIs are available does not mean they are obsolete or "defective". Codes are not grandfathered so there is no mandatory reason to have to install AFCIs. Why would they need to "be upgraded to the safety standards required of current installations"?? That would be a service change IMO.
If a renovation is done that is another story.
Pushmatics were very good breakers in their day and you can still get replacements. Replacing a breaker would NOT demand an AFCI either. It is the circuit that requires AFCIs, and replacing a breaker is NOT altering the branch circuit.
About the only thing I don't like is that very old ones, or ones that are in a harsh environment, have the tenancy to not reset. I have never had an issue where they would not trip or shut off.
Peter,
A good post from an electrician, ...
... however, from a home inspector's* point of view, they are obsolete and we should recommend replacement, just like for that 50 year old a/c which is still being used, or that 100 year old boiler which is still being used.
Those pieces of equipment *are obsolete* and our (home inspectors) clients need to be advised of such - NOTHING last "forever" and the home inspectors clients are hiring the home inspector to, among other things, advise them of such things.
The electrician could then accept the challenge to explain to the seller why something 50 years old is still in everyday service and is "okie dokie" for now ... and that "for now" part is the kicker.