AFCI Circuit Breakers seem to sensitive. Suggestions?

[lokiju]

My home was built in 2005 and from what I've read, code started requiring these damn AFCI circuits in 2002.

The problem is it's so overly sensitive that my breaks trip all the time for simple little things like turning a vacuum cleaner on or turning on a computer.

I'm about at my wits end with having to go to the garage every time I do some simple task.

I realize it's code to leave these circuits in place but am tempted to replace the circuits with a non AFCI one and then just switch it back before selling the place.

I was wondering though, is there something that can be plugged in between a device and the outlet to absorb the surge for high draw on power on items? I know in the car audio world there's capacitors that are used to absorb the hit of a heavy draw from an amp so it doesn't put a strain on the cars battery and alternator (I used to have one, worked great).

Or does anyone have any other suggestions.

 

[Vette73]

Sounds like it is going bad. Replace it and see.

I had a CGFI that was doing like yours. Replaced it and has worked fine since.

 

[pcgeek11]

The GFCI ( not CGFI ) breakers are only required for circuits around water ( sinks, bathrooms garage, porches, pools etc ) not for every outlet in the house. If they are tripping without excessive current or a grounded condition they need to be replaced.

 

[0roo0roo]

I plug vacs into gfci outlets all the time, never tripped once.
either its going bad or u got the dodgy wiring

 

[PottedMeat]

AFCI = arc-fault circuit interrupter = protection against fire
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arc-fault_circuit_interrupter
GFCI = ground fault circuit interrupter = protection against shock
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residual-current_device

AFCIs are supposed to tell the difference between a vacuum power draw and a arc causing a fire, try replacing one and seeing if that circuit works okay with a vacuum.

edit: oops yeah, GFCI trips if there's a current difference between hot & neutral

 

[FirNaTine]

Motors can be a source of trouble. I would try to replace it with an identically rated breaker and see if the issue continues. You may have an overly sensitive unit.

Just FYI, working inside a breaker box can be deadly, if you do not know EXACTLY what you are doing hire an electrician.

 

[Rubycon]

AFCI listens for the signature of a faulty device such as an arcing switch (contacts) or device plugged into a worn socket with loose fitting contacts. Such sparking produces heat and can cause a fire. Problem is with this you can have nuisance tripping by unplugging an appliance that is running (common example is yanking the cord of a vacuum, floor sweeper, etc. without turning its switch off first!) Other switch mode power supplies can generate RF chirps that trigger this device, again causing nuisance trips. Think of it as a steamy shower or too much aerosol spray setting off a smoke detector! GFCI is NOT to protect against shock! You WILL still get shocked however the circuit will be interrupted before (you hope anyway!) your heart is stopped. This is why they are required around sinks/tubs and swimming pools. Any outdoor receptacle should have one. Too much leakage due to moisture can (again) cause nuisance tripping. Removing/disabling either does not necessarily produce an immediate hazard (like replacing a fuse with a larger one or (worse) putting a penny under a screw down fuse!). If you find that you have nuisance trips replace AFCI breakers with regular circuit breakers.

 

[smittybg]

I work for an electrical contractor and we unfournatley have to replace the arc faults with regualr breakers because arc faults suck and trip all the time for no reason.....Its sad but we install the arc faults and get our final inspections from the city and replace them after the inspector leaves.....Its sad but the government requires us to use a faulty product and we as good customer service people do whats best for our customer.....

I say just replace them with regular breakers ....espically if you have a square -d QO panel (we love these panels and breakers but the arc faults suck.)

Its your house and its insured either way , so spend $10 bucks per breaker and make life a little easier for yourself.....

 

[Miramonti]

AFCI's are required in bedrooms by builders here, but my treadmill trips them 100% of the time so I replaced it with a regular breaker. Works great now.

 

[lokiju]

It is 100% a AFCI not GFCI.

From 2002 and on code has required that bedrooms have AFCI circuits and in my panel there are two of these AFCI circuits for two of the four rooms in my house (no clue who all four don't have one).

To smittybg and jjsole, I was thinking of doing that from the start of this post and it looks like that's my best choice. Thanks!

 

[Adul]

It is 100% a AFCI not GFCI.

From 2002 and on code has required that bedrooms have AFCI circuits and in my panel there are two of these AFCI circuits for two of the four rooms in my house (no clue who all four don't have one).

To smittybg and jjsole, I was thinking of doing that from the start of this post and it looks like that's my best choice. Thanks!

haven't had that issue with the arc breakers in our house ever tripping off. Replace them with a good quality unit.

 

[lokiju]

It looks like the rooms that don't have the AFCI breakers are using a Siemens QP L5538 breaker. Says it's rated for 120/240 volts but I'm not seeing a clear AMP rating.

Those familiar with these kind of things, is things something I can just go to Home Depot and get?