Arc fault tripping

[Mr sparky]

Got a garage I have four fluorescent lights which work when I turn the switch on. The problem is that when I press the test button on the arc fault breaker or manually turn the breaker off then try to reset it, it will not set unless I turn the switch off that controls the garage lights. Once the switch is off I can reset the arc fault. I can then turn the garage lights on and everything works. Why will the arc fault breaker not reset when turned off unless the switch to the garage ligbts is off? I have replaced the breaker, checked the switches and connections, even removed all the grounding wires from the fixtures and the problem persists. Once again the problem is that the breaker will not reset with the switch in the on position but when off the breaker will set and the switch can be turned on and everything works.

 

[GoldDigger]

Does the breaker give any indication of whether it tripped from arc or GF detection?


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[Mr sparky]

It is a GE breaker and does not have a indicator light. I have also isolated each individule ballast. I suspect it maybe sum sort of back feed from the ballast reading as a fault to the breaker.

 

[ELA]

Interesting problem,
Re reading your description several times makes me wonder if the breaker goes through some sort of self-check/detection routine that only occurs at power up?

Would be curious to temporarily wire in a different brand AFCI to help diagnosis.

 

[kwired]

Interesting problem,
Re reading your description several times makes me wonder if the breaker goes through some sort of self-check/detection routine that only occurs at power up?

Would be curious to temporarily wire in a different brand AFCI to help diagnosis.

Not only an interesting problem, it is also more of the manufacturer persuading code to make their product a requirement and leaving the consumer as the testing lab in a way. How much you want to be the manufacturer does little to solve this individual problem? They may make an improved product sometime in the future and will happily sell it to the consumer though.