Arc-Fault Current-Interupter

[John H Gutman]

I recently specified Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters in most of the rooms of a private dwelling. The installation passed inspection. The electrical contractor doing the installation used Cutler Hammer Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters in the service panel. The home owner complained that her vacuum sweeper trips the interrupters (multiple circuits 5 were tried). I tried a old 3/4 single speed drill. It did the same thing. Trip probably caused by brush sparking. How do you solve the problem? It is not acceptable to plug the sweeper in the kitchen.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

John, this is a problem that has plagued the industry since afci came out. They are constant re-engineering the arc signature on breakers so there are many generations of afci out there. In the past I have had some success with calling the manufacturer and having them send me a different generation afci. It usually works. Vacuums are the worst offenders