dtarantino
Member
- Location
- Florida
I have a new construction home in FL with 200amp single phase service. The panel is a GE Powermark panel from HD. e installed a 27kw (three 9kw elements) instant electric water heater on three dedicated 50amp double pole circuits with stranded #10 wire in metal conduit w/ a 5ft run from panel to device. Not always, but often when there is a large draw on the unit (say running a tub when the outside water temp is very cold) it will trip one of two arc-faults that are across from the 50amp stack of double poles on the opposite side of the panel. I'd l ike to note that these arc-faults are for completely un-related living space circuits that are primarily just lighting loads.
I have had three independent licensed electricians look at the installation and nobody could find anything incorrect in the panel or wiring. I have also troubleshooted the heater itself w/ the manufacturer to make sure it was all working in order. The 50 amp breakers never trip but do hum even at very low load (<20amp). In addition, our lights tend to flicker slightly when the heater is kicked on (no matter how small the load). I'm thinking this may be due to the fact of how the water heater unit is constantly regulating the power. The arc-faults do not trip at any other time (even w/ a vacuum or other motor running).
I have also already replaced both the 50amp breakers and arc-faults thinking that I may have a faulty breaker, but the same continues to happen.
Any feedback on what could be causing these AFCIs to trip would be greatly appreciated. Thanks - Dennis
I have had three independent licensed electricians look at the installation and nobody could find anything incorrect in the panel or wiring. I have also troubleshooted the heater itself w/ the manufacturer to make sure it was all working in order. The 50 amp breakers never trip but do hum even at very low load (<20amp). In addition, our lights tend to flicker slightly when the heater is kicked on (no matter how small the load). I'm thinking this may be due to the fact of how the water heater unit is constantly regulating the power. The arc-faults do not trip at any other time (even w/ a vacuum or other motor running).
I have also already replaced both the 50amp breakers and arc-faults thinking that I may have a faulty breaker, but the same continues to happen.
Any feedback on what could be causing these AFCIs to trip would be greatly appreciated. Thanks - Dennis