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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    NV
    Posts
    3

    Default New issue with AFCI breakers tripping

    We installed new ceiling fans 3 months ago. Sometime in the past 2 days the AFCI breaker started tripping when any of the switches were turned on. If all switches are off the breaker stays on. turn any of them on and it pops. I tested each of the 5 lights, each trips the breaker.

    its the breaker bad?


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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Orlando, FL
    Posts
    1,592

    Default Re: New issue with AFCI breakers tripping

    Could be:

    -one of the new fans
    -the wiring for the circuits(s)
    -an actual arc fault somewhere
    -bad/sensitive AFCI breaker

    Time to call a qualified electrician.

    Dom.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,970

    Default Re: New issue with AFCI breakers tripping

    Sounds like you need to check the wiring between the switches and the fans. It does not sound like the breaker since everything works until you change one of the switched.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    New Mexico
    Posts
    1,352

    Default Re: New issue with AFCI breakers tripping

    Not sure of your skill level, but if it were me I would put a new breaker in, or swap wires into a different AFCI breaker it you have more than one in your panel. If the same thing happens, you've got a short in the wire somewhere.

    Jim Robinson
    New Mexico, USA

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    NV
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: New issue with AFCI breakers tripping

    I will try the breaker tomomrrow.

    Its just bothersome that it worked for so long without issue. I hope its just the breaker


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,970

    Default Re: New issue with AFCI breakers tripping

    You said it worked fine until the new wiring was installed and now you think the problem is the breaker?

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    NV
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: New issue with AFCI breakers tripping

    No I said its worked for months without issue then just stopped. Nothing had been changed in the time it was working for months and the time it stopped.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Port View Post
    You said it worked fine until the new wiring was installed and now you think the problem is the breaker?



  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Charlotte NC
    Posts
    2,304

    Default Re: New issue with AFCI breakers tripping

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric S View Post
    No I said its worked for months without issue then just stopped. Nothing had been changed in the time it was working for months and the time it stopped.
    What you have is more likely a broken wire connection. It is very easy to score solid copper wire when stripping it with standard wire strippers. Once it is scored it breaks very easily, sometimes long after the wire has been fastened. It is also very easy to break a wire when tightening a wire nut.

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  9. #9

    Default Re: New issue with AFCI breakers tripping

    Build houses as well as home inspections. House that we finished last February, One circuit kept setting off AFCI. After much trouble shooting, we narrowed it down to one fixture. After checking wires, connections and everything else, electrician for the hell of it changed light bulb. No problems after that. Expensive bad bulb.

    Don't rule out anything when you are trouble shooting.

    Open Book Home Inspections, LLC
    www.openbokhomeinspections.com

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Columbus GA
    Posts
    3,747

    Default Re: New issue with AFCI breakers tripping

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Gulotta View Post
    we narrowed it down to one fixture. After checking wires, connections and everything else, electrician for the hell of it changed light bulb. No problems after that. Expensive bad bulb.
    Wow, good to know
    Could have been the bulb was not screwed in tight.

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    St. Louis, Mo. area.
    Posts
    280

    Default Re: New issue with AFCI breakers tripping

    Quote Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell View Post
    .........Could have been the bulb was not screwed in tight.
    I've known some people like that!


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