AFCI and generators

[Dennis Alwon]

We also have Cutler Hammer to thank for Arc Fault protection.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing? :wink:

I wasn't bad mouthing anyone. I was just stating some facts that I was aware of. I like Cutler Hammer. If my supplier kept it I probably would still be using them. I also have no problems with GE.

 

[hillbilly1]

I like the CH style, they work well, but the BR is a Westinghouse holdover.

 

[Detective]

With a Gentran setup, a GFCI circuit breaker will trip when utility power is restored but the circuit is still being run by the generator. Because AFCIs have some GFCI sensitivity built into them, the same would be true of them. I describe this at www.thecircuitdetective.com/other.htm#ge :grin:

 

[brantmacga]

. . . . and the Ideal AFCI receptacle tester will not trip the device by itself. .

a what kind of "tester"?

 

[=sparky=]

a different solution

a different solution

Have you tried installing a 1-1 ratio isolation transformer before the afci?

 

[iwire]

I haven?t really had a chance to think this scenario through thoroughly, as it takes time for things to percolate the sieve that is my brain, but was wondering if the generator neutral was connected to ground either at the generator frame or inside the cabinet of the 10-ckt transfer panel, could this possibly cause this type of AFCI tripping issue?
If so, could a manual transfer switch that isolated the neutrals and created a true separately derived system help?

Those are the types of issues I would look into.

 

[M. D.]

This is from a gentran installation manual ,...I wonder what brand ????

*Note: If Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI), or Surge Protector Circuit Breakers were used as the branch circuit protector in the main load center, they MUST be used in the transfer switch. GFCI and AFCI breakers must be installed on the left side of the bus, and an isolated neutral must be connected from the
load to the GFCI or AFCI.

This means that the load neutral needs to be connected with a wire nut to a 3-6 foot piece of white neutral wire, run through the conduit to the transfer switch and connected to the "load neutral" lug on the GFCI or ACFI breaker. Because GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers typically take up more than one space, the overall maximum number of circuits may be reduced from the number shown. Contact Gen/Tran for more information on these circuit breaker types.

 

[hillbilly1]

I have not had any problems with the Arc fault breakers (yet) on any of the generator installs I've done so far. I've heard Generac is now suppling seperate neutrals for arc fault breakers in their prewire package just for this purpose.