AFCI tripping

[Stevenfyeager]

Homeowners moving into new house, their vacuum cleaner trips AFCI circuit breaker every time. Various room circuits, same problem. I used Seimens brand AFCI breakers for each bedroom. What can I try? Thank you.

 

[JFletcher]

Are the circuit wires (ungrounded and grounded) both on the AFCI, and the AFCI pigtail to the neutral bar?

Seen one vac trip one of four AFCIs, we replaced the AFCI. If it's tripping multiple AFCIs, it's a wiring problem or a bad vac.

 

[K8MHZ]

The easiest test would be to try a different vacuum cleaner and see if the AFCI trips or not.

 

[ptonsparky]

Vacs are a common problem with AFCI, especially older vacs. Try a newer one as suggested and make sure your wiring details are correct.

 

[K8MHZ]

Vacs are a common problem with AFCI, especially older vacs. Try a newer one as suggested and make sure your wiring details are correct.

For some reason the older ones that have had the cord ran over a couple times can be problematic.

:happyyes:

 

[mbrooke]

Try a different generation of Siemens AFCIs.

 

[K8MHZ]

Try a different generation of Siemens AFCIs.

A new vacuum cleaner may be cheaper.

 

[mbrooke]

A new vacuum cleaner may be cheaper.

Good point, silly me. A 1 year old Dyson is well past due :lol::lol:

 

[K8MHZ]

Good point, silly me. A 1 year old Dyson is well past due :lol::lol:

They don't make them like they used to!

 

[mbrooke]

They don't make them like they used to!

Not only that, some have an incorrect waveform right out of the factory :happyno:

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Not only that, some have an incorrect waveform right out of the factory :happyno:

And that problem should be solved by one company....the manufacture of the AFCI.

100% of the costs for solving these types of problems should rest with the AFCI manufactures, but expect it will take a number of successful class action suits before they start picking up these costs.

 

[kwired]

Instead of trying different generations/different brands/etc. of AFCI's I bet the problem goes away real fast by trying a non AFCI breaker, new or older generation.:angel:

 

[Pizza]

Pull that stupid thing out and add it to your collection under your front seat.


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[kwired]

Pull that stupid thing out and add it to your collection under your front seat.


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I'd rather collect them in the trash dumpster.

 

[cad99]

Normally when get this call there is a treadmill or a 1932 Kirby vacuum nearby. I have heard of high end surge protectors being able to help.i change breaker if still the problem tell them it's time for a new vac. Don't really feel the need to get the fancy Siemens arc fault tester. I sometimes "forget" and leave normal breaker at the house.


Living the dream one nightmare at a time