If you can, try to find the model number of the breaker. An AFCI selectively distinguishes between a harmless arc … When the AFCI circuit breakers were first introduced there were several problems with nuisance tripping mostly from light fixtures. An arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) also known as an arc-fault detection device (AFDD) is a circuit breaker that breaks the circuit when it detects the electric arcs that are a signature of loose connections in home wiring. i have gone into quite a few houses to find that all the plugs are reversed polarity. The breaker will trip in the But you’ll also want to pay attention to where the light switches on your circuit are located. Use Intelli-Arc to assist and accelerate diagnosis. If I plug something into an outlet the breaker stays on. Loose connections, which can develop over time, can sometimes become hot enough to ignite house fires. An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is an advanced circuit breaker that, as a way to reduce electrical fire threats, breaks the circuit when it detects a dangerous electric arc … Wire the load hot and the load neutral directly to the arc fault. I have gone into alot of houses and noticed that electricians are not wiring arc faults the right way. 5. There was a method to reset the light involving a button on the breaker. Light … I'd check switches as suggested above, and also check for loads that are cycling on and off, eg electric heat. Thought it was a bad Arc Fault breaker so I replaced it with a brand new one. This is simply a matter of locating the circuit's hot wires (black, red or blue that are connected to the circuit breaker) and the circuit's neutral (white) wire and replacing the circuit breaker in the panel with the AFCI type. If I turn on any of the light switches (bedroom closet, hall, other closet) the breaker immediately trips. Use AFCI circuit breakers to add arc fault protection to the entire length of existing circuits. Imho the arc faults are a red herring. The load neutral does not go to the neutral bar as with a standard thermal magnetic breaker installation. Jon According to the National Electrical Code, AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) breakers are required on almost all 120V circuits within a finished space of a home. 6. Off On Arc fault (leg B) On On On Arc fault to ground Check wiring, switches, and receptacles for possible ground leakage. After breaker is properly installed, be sure to test it for correct operation by turning the breaker to the “on” position and then push the test button. Depending on the breaker, it might simply be an alert light. I installed an AFCI breaker not long ago, and found that the light would indicate the reason it tripped after you reset it. LEDs are often very sensitive to voltage disturbance. If you can get some sort of recording volt meter that will also help you. On Off Off Arc fault (leg A) Check wiring for the parallel and series arc faults. button to verify the breaker is working properly. 5 Ground Fault - The breaker has detected that current has found an alternate path to ground. With everything turned off the new breaker stays on. Check devices for series arc faults. The problem is with the size of the arc which occurs anywhere on the circuit, from the switch to the light bulbs, or any type of electrical load. For example, a basement lighting circuit powered by a switch located in the dining room would require arc-fault protection (basements aren’t an area required for AFCI protection but a dining room is). current rating for the breaker. 4. 6 Self Test Failure - The breaker continually tests its internal electronics and software to ensure the arc fault detection technology is working properly. because the murray and siemens arc fault screws are recessed in, you cant see the gold colored screw. AFCI breakers are used to detect arc faults and any abnormal arcing activity, then cut power to a home’s wiring system in order to avoid a spark or electrical fire. If you were having arc fault problems they would just trip.