According to the National Electrical Code, AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) breakers are required on almost all 120V circuits within a finished space of a home. AFCI breakers are used to detect arc faults and any abnormal arcing activity, then cut power to a home’s wiring system in order to avoid a spark or electrical fire. A reliable Northern Colorado electrician will tell you how important it is to have AFCI breakers in your home, but they can also help you if you are having a problem with your breakers tripping regularly.

Nuisance Tripping

AFCI breakers tripping for no obvious reason is known as nuisance tripping. Because AFCI’s are designed to detect an arc fault, they can be very sensitive and easily tripped for a few common reasons including:

Incompatible Devices

Many electronic devices, by nature of their own design, can cause AFCI breakers to detect a dangerous electrical arc that isn’t actually there. This most commonly occurs with electronic products that have motors with brushes such as vacuums, treadmills or even power tools. These brushes can cause sparking, which is normal within the device, but abnormal in the eyes of the breaker. Televisions and fluorescent lights can also cause tripping. If you have a device that regularly trips your breaker, first try using it on a different circuit. If the other breaker trips, you know the device is incompatible. If it doesn’t, call an electrician to inspect the tripped breaker.

Wiring Problems

Tripped breakers can also be the result of improperly installed AFCIs or problems within the wiring system. Common wiring problems for tripping include

• Neutral conductors for different circuits that have been connected outside of the main board
• AFCI breakers that are not compatible with multi-wire circuits
• Standard circuit breakers in place rather then AFCIs
• Poor or loose connections within the breaker
• Wires that are improperly placed within the light box causing contact between two wrong wires

Outdated AFCI Breakers

Electrical codes for AFCI breakers have been updated a few times since 2002, when AFCIs were first required for bedrooms. As of 2017, ACFI breakers are required in most rooms of the home. With so many changes, older generation breakers may not be up to date or they simply have wear from regular or excessive use and might easily be resolved by upgrading to a new AFCI. A licensed electrician can inspect your electrical panel and circuit breakers and make any recommendations.

If you feel that a breaker is tripping for no apparent reason, the licensed and experienced electricians at Peterson Electric have the experience and knowledge to identify the root of the problem. Call us today at (970) 599-1872.

While a tripped breaker can be frustrating, you at least have the assurance that it is doing its job in protecting your home and those you love.