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    Moodog's Avatar
    Moodog Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Sep 12, 2008, 07:17 AM
    Arch GFI breaker
    Hello
    I work for a local electric co. I have a customer whose Arch GFI breaker kicks off when ever there is lightening storm. It also feels a little warm to the touch, with out any load. I set a voltage recorder on her service at the electric billing meter. I don't expect to see anything wrong.
    If breaker is wired properly, is there anything I can suggest to this customer?


    Thanks
    Moodog
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Sep 12, 2008, 10:28 AM
    Lets be clear, is the an arc fault or a GFCI, they are not the same. When I run into a funky acting breaker I usually just swap it out, they can go bad and we can't repair them.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #3

    Sep 12, 2008, 12:47 PM
    Arc fault breakers are NOTORIOUS for nuisance tripping. This can be caused by anything from a vacuum cleaner, to any other type of motor, to lightning.
    You can replace the breaker but it will most likely keep doing the same thing.

    Also, AFCI breakers DO get warm to the touch. This is another issue folks have had with them. It seems to be a normal part of their operation.

    Just so you know, there was a recall on Square D AFCI breakers a while back. Do a web search for that and you'll get some good information.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #4

    Sep 12, 2008, 01:58 PM
    I had one job where I could not get any arc fault to work at all on a bedroom circuit. Would a neutral shared on another circuit blow it, that's my thinking.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #5

    Sep 12, 2008, 03:57 PM
    Two single-pole AFCIs cannot be used for a MWBC (multi-wire branch circuit). The same goes for SP GFI breakers. They will trip instantly.

    You would have to use a two-pole AFCI breaker. Problem is only one or two companies are making them and they are hard to come by.

    This cannot be the OP's situation because it is an intermittent problem.
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