AFCI tripping

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bcsparks4 said:
Where does it state that "all AFCI's have 30 ma. GFCI's built in."
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Square D bul. 0760db0204r9/07 (12/20070 States" Square D AFCIs do not provide people protection, but do detect residual current levels starting at approximately 50 mA"

Last week I attended an IAEI seminar on AFCIs. Square D & Siemens had reps. there and it was stated in the lecture that Combination AFCIs afford between 30 and 100 mA of GFCI protection, depending on the manufacturer.

The 2007 UL White Book does not mention a value in their listings for AFCIs: (AVYI), (AVZQ), (AWAH), (AWAY) or (AWBZ).

ANSI/UL 1699 was used to investigate AFCIs but I don't have a copy.
 
ohm said:
Let me guess...someone used an electric screwdriver to tighten the NM connector. Good case to use the hit-lok nm connectors (cheaper too).

Also, I consider a romex staples' only function in life is to hold the nm in the wall long enough for the rocker to close it up. That extra wack with the hammer can cost you big time. If an inexperienced helper is on the job the cushioned staples may be worth it.

Glad you found it. How long did it take?
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That's why I buy the plastic romex staples @ Big Orange :D

You can't over drive em.
 
pbeasley said:
Just thought I'd let everyone know it looks like this was a NM connector that was over tightened. .
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I am curious then if you thought it was current leakage that tripped the AFCI at 30-50ma or if there was an arc fault at a higher current.
Did you inspect the cable for nicks or carbon from arcs? Was the cable replaced?

I just purchased my first AFCI last week and am curious to learn more about them.

Is it a tight fit with so many AFCI's in one cabinet? They are very large.
 
electricmanscott said:
Could you direct me to this tester? :-?
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Siemens has a AFCI demo unit they carry around. It has a set of points which are adjustable with a micrometer dial. When the points are brought closer together (simulating an arching wire) a DMM measures current in the arc.

When this unit measured around 5.5 A the AFCI tripped.

When they switched to a standard breaker it did not.

All the manufacturers say the best test for their products is to push the test button.
 
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