AFCI moisture condesation

[franticfrank]

Has anyone run into a problem with moisture condensation inside an AFCI breaker?

I have had a few service calls for AFCI breakers tripping. When I removed the breaker it looked OK. I then noticed moisture inside the breaker , struck it against my hand and a whole lot of water came out.

This has happened a few times now on different jobs. I know that AFCI's create some heat, can this heat against the cool busbar be causing condensation? The standard breakers are bone dry.

The panels are located in basements with no noticeable moisture problems. If someone has run across this, a little advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[bphgravity]

Re: AFCI moisture condesation

Cool Busbar?

I would contact the manufacturer of the breaker and see if they are aware of this phenomenon and can provide you with a correction or solution to stop the problem.

 

[hurk27]

Re: AFCI moisture condesation

Do you have duct seal in the conduit that come inside from the meter? This is a big cause of moisture in panels and will cause problems.
The conduit is required to be sealed as per:
300.5(G) and 230.8

 

[franticfrank]

Re: AFCI moisture condesation

Yes Wayne , we do have duct seal in the conduit. it is up at the meter. There is no sign of moisture anywhere in the panel exept these arc faults.

I will try to contact Seimens Tech Support for more info. Will pass on what I find out.

 

[roger]

Re: AFCI moisture condesation

Talking to a residential wireman recently, I was informed that some AFCI's do seem to increase the heat inside of a load center, this would be a cause of condensation in humid environments.

Roger

[ August 10, 2004, 09:52 PM: Message edited by: roger ]

 

[roger]

Re: AFCI moisture condesation

Frank, referencing my earlier post, as you questioned, the heating associated with the AFCI's would have to see a cooling condition (or surface) too for condensation to form, which is what I would think is happening.

Roger