AFCI trouible...common link??

[electricmanscott]

Almost afraid to say I have solved some issues but...

Two jobs with tripping AFCIs and both were afcis sandwiched between other afcis in the panel. Both were loaded fairly heavily with lighting and both would trip intermitently.

After mucho troubleshooting one issue was solved one way, :wink: the other I moved the breaker away from the other afcis. Problem solved so far....

Heat issue???

 

[ptonsparky]

Are, could, the electronics of each afci be interfereng with another while being next to each other? I know that little sticker says they aren't supposed to.

Somebody stick a metal shield between their AFCIs and see if that helps. Probably should be grounded to. Not to be attempted by diyers. I would do it but I just happen to be out of AFCIs myself and I don't see a new house on the horizon. dang.

 

[sawdust454]

I did just that myself for a nuisance tripping AFCI, so far so good "fingers crossed"!:grin:

 

[e57]

Possibly heat, possibly some RF interferance, or other distortion from other circuits in the panel.

Either way, I have had much better luck with them lightly loaded with mixed loads. i.e. not one whole circuit all lighting with electronic transformers - but some here some recepts there, for further ease 1 circuit per room... (Bedrooms - as I don't have to do the whole 08 fiasco yet)

 

[e57]

Could be that you changed the phase/(Leg for those purists) they were one?

 

[iwire]

Heat issue???

Don't forget who asked for the 42 over current device limit to be lifted.

It's been said that they wanted larger panels so the AFCIs needed for a whole house could still be kept apart.

I picture something like this...

1)AFCI 2)SPACE

3)SPACE 4)AFCI

5)AFCI 6)SPACE

7)SPACE 8)AFCI

 

[e57]

I've mentioned this before - I gave up on all but CH AFCI's - they make a two pole (non-combo) that works exceptionally well - and 3-wire. :roll: Too bad you guys on '08 can't use it or pull it apart.... :roll:

 

[iwire]

I gave up on all but CH AFCI's

If I recall correctly it was CH that put in the proposal to allow larger panel boards.

I will go look for it.

________________________________________________________________
9-117 Log #2643 NEC-P09 Final Action: Accept in Principle
(408.34, 408.35, and 408.36)
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Kevin J. Lippert, Eaton Corporation

 

[e57]

Well Bob - watch out - this guy at Eaton is also trying to put discredit and shame on extention and appliance cords as well as everyones precious NM.

Here in this paper I will dub:
'Romex - it will burn your damn house down if installed without an AFCI.' :wink:

 

[BackInTheHabit]

Well Bob - watch out - this guy at Eaton is also trying to put discredit and shame on extention and appliance cords as well as everyones precious NM.

Here in this paper I will dub:
'Romex - it will burn your damn house down if installed without an AFCI.' :wink:

I read the section on NM. Are they trying to say that NM is the problem?

 

[quogueelectric]

Well Bob - watch out - this guy at Eaton is also trying to put discredit and shame on extention and appliance cords as well as everyones precious NM.

Here in this paper I will dub:
'Romex - it will burn your damn house down if installed without an AFCI.' :wink:

I told you that stuff was junk! Now you must believe me. :wink::smile:

 

[e57]

I read the section on NM. Are they trying to say that NM is the problem?

Donno - but it seemed so. Or that an AFCI will allow you to counter-act the detrimental effects of the NM or appliance cord busting into flames... Maybe lead clad silicone with heat fins would fair better?