AFCI problems in new home

[RJohnsonMasterElectrician]

When Vt first made them mandatory in 2000 I had trouble with ceiling fans, flourescent lights in houses. Since then no real trouble unless a carpenter used their chop saw, table saw, or some other high amp in rush current equipment into a protected circuit. We were installing SQD Homeline.

 

[charlie b]

Mark, you are an electrical engineer and, no doubt, know all the theory behind the AFCI products. However, you are a do it yourselfer so we can not give you specific advice of the "how to" nature.

Not quite, Charlie. Mark does not have a BSEE, but rather a BSEET. That degree has a lesser emphasis on theory, and a greater emphasis on laboratory work. So the test box he is asking about is certainly within his educational background, and outside the normal work scope of an electrician. It's not house wiring that Mark is talking about, it is a lab bench.

Mark, I cannot answer your question about whether it would be "wise" to attempt such an experiment. You would know such things better than I. You would certainly know more than I how to create a test and run it safely. I just can't say whether it would be conclusive. I suppose that if you connect a vacuum cleaner to a receptacle that is connected to a test breaker with wiring that you know is in perfect condition, and if it trips when you start the vacuum cleaner, you would have a case to make. But then what do you do? Buy a different vacuum? Also, I think you (or your electrician) could not infer from such a test that the house wiring has no problems.

 

[vinster888]

I've been having intermittent problems with these AFCI's since the day they hit the shelf. I dread wiring a new home of any size,due to my beliefs that wire length has to do with these nuisance trips. Outlets within 100' or so on 12/2 with a 20A AFCI, 14 amp vacuum no problem. Outlets more than 100', same vacuum no dice. instant trip. Oh, you have 10 compact fluorescent, they trip after being on for an hour or so.