Eaton AFCI - Blinking Red Light

[Andrew Kolar]

Can anyone inform me what the small red light directly next to the test button indicates on the Eaton AFCI breakers? This light started blinking after a tripped breaker was reset.

[Garry Sorrells]

Blinking is Error Code.

Look at PDF for code reference to blinking

http://www.crestron.com/downloads/pd...al/clb-120.pdf

0 Mechanical Disconnect -The breaker has detected an
overload, short circuit, or was manually turned off.

1 Current Arc - A low current “series” arc has been
detected within one of the current pathways. These arcs
are typically found in worn or degraded appliance and
extension cords, poor connections in appliances or
fixtures, or in contacts within equipment.

2 High current Arc - A high current “parallel” arc has been
detected between two conductors. These arcs are usually
found in installed wiring where the wire has been
compromised by a nail or screw, an over tightened staple,
or damaged insulation

3 Short Delay - Short delay is an electronic backup to the
short circuit mechanism.

4 Overvoltage - A voltage of 160V RMS or greater has been
detected. After resetting the breaker, press the “TEST”
button to verify the breaker is working properly.
5 Ground Fault - The breaker has detected that current has
found an alternate path to ground.

6 Self Test Failure - The breaker continually tests its internal
electronics and software to ensure the arc fault detection
technology is working properly. The breaker will trip in the
event of a self test failure

[Mark Reinmiller]

I experienced this today. Two of the three AFCI breakers would not trip. Since the house was vacant I turned them off and on again. The red light blinked in the 6 blink pattern, but they still would not trip. As I read the wording it sound like they are supposed to trim themselves if the self-test fails. They did not.

[Lon Henderson]

I experienced this today. Two of the three AFCI breakers would not trip. Since the house was vacant I turned them off and on again. The red light blinked in the 6 blink pattern, but they still would not trip. As I read the wording it sound like they are supposed to trim themselves if the self-test fails. They did not.

I've run into this too. Sometimes, they briefly blink then stop. Newer AFCIs seem more reliable, but I had a new one fail to reset a few weeks ago.