How to test an AFCI

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D&Lelectric

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i am having a problem with the inspectors here,they say they have a true arc fault tester and i am now falling my inspections i need help
 
D&Lelectric said:
i am having a problem with the inspectors here,they say they have a true arc fault tester and i am now falling my inspections i need help
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Welcome to the Forum, D&L!

You've inadvertantly done what some might call a threadjack. I think you've got a great question, however.

Please consider asking the question as a stand alone question by clicking here to open the "NEC Forum Topics" window. There is a red rectangle "button" on the upper left of the screen titled "New Topic or Question", click on it to open the same type of text entry box that you used in this thread.

I look forward to reading the responses to your question in your first thread.

You can also get to the NEC Forum Topics window by clicking on NEC where you see it in the pages. . . even the very top of this page, if you scroll to the top. . .

Again, Welcome to the Forum! :)
 
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D&Lelectric said:
i am having a problem with the inspectors here,they say they have a true arc fault tester and i am now falling my inspections i need help
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Show them Section QCYU of the UL White Book:

OUTLET CIRCUIT TESTERS (QCYU)
GENERAL
This category covers portable devices with fixed attachment plug blades, or probes attached to flexible leads, used to indicate various wiring conditions in 15 or 20 A branch circuits by a pattern of lights or other similar means along with markings or instructions to identify the probable wiring conditions which cannot be determined by the tester.
The devices may include provisions for checking the functions of a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) connected to the branch circuit, or for indicating that a branch circuit is connected to an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI).​
AFCI indicators operate by producing a waveform similar to an arc fault. Since these devices cannot produce an actual arc fault, an AFCI indicator may not trip every AFCI. AFCI indicators are provided with markings or instructions that state the following or equivalent: ??CAUTION: AFCIs recognize characteristics unique to arcing, and AFCI indicators produce characteristics that mimic some forms of arcing. Therefore the indicator may provide a false indication that the AFCI is not functioning properly. If this occurs, recheck the operation of the AFCI using the test and reset buttons. The AFCI button test function will demonstrate proper operation.?? These devices are not intended for use as comprehensive diagnostic instruments.
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I have moved these posts to their own thread from the "AFCI myth" thread to keep that thread from being hijacked.

By the way welcome to the forum.:)

Chris
 
What tester are the inspectors using?

The only recognized test of an AFCI breaker is the test button on the breaker itself.

Chris
 
Hendrix said:
I use a gfci, afci tester that sometimes trips the afci, but not always.
If it doesn't, I press the button on the breaker.
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I do the same thing. If the afci trips when I push the test button great it saves me some steps. The breaker test button is the only test that counts.
 
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