M4wd&Fabrications

Projects place => Tech => Topic started by: cracker on July 15, 2021, 11:51:48 AM

Title: Arc fault breakers
Post by: cracker on July 15, 2021, 11:51:48 AM

So the new house has all Arc Fault breakers.. we seem to be having issues with multiple circuits where the appliance will be running for an extended amount of time and then the breaker trips.  One of the house techs says that the arc fault breakers are just too sensitive and are junk, but does not think the factory will replace them.
Happening on multiple circuits.  I have plugged 2 different coffee makers into 2 circuits and they will brew fine and then sit there for almost 2 hours(sometimes shorter sometimes longer) before tripping the breaker.  We also have a portable A/C unit that is doing the same thing on other circuits.

Just trying to get some other peoples opinions(and build my knowledge) before I start battling with the manufacturer.

Title: Re: Arc fault breakers
Post by: mr.mindless on July 15, 2021, 12:42:32 PM

throw an amp clamp on the load wire. if it's tripping at less than rated load that's the end of the story IMO.

Title: Re: Arc fault breakers
Post by: Wingman on July 15, 2021, 12:58:46 PM

They are a pita, for sure. And expensive. Could replace with normal breaker and see if it continues?

Title: Re: Arc fault breakers
Post by: cracker on July 15, 2021, 12:59:24 PM

it is hard to know when to watch when it takes random time for them to trip