Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    PDieter's Avatar
    PDieter Posts: 9, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 30, 2007, 11:08 AM
    Arc Fault troubleshooting
    I've got a new arc fault circuit that trips immediately. I've switched out the breaker with the same results. How does one locate the problem in the circuit?
    PDieter's Avatar
    PDieter Posts: 9, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #2

    Jul 30, 2007, 11:25 AM
    I may have answered my own question:

    http://www.arcfault.ca/www/promo/0760DB0204.pdf

    But I"d still appreciate any expert insights.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Jul 30, 2007, 04:13 PM
    Have you looked for any frayed cords or a shared neutral? Probably the most common causes. There may be others but need to establish the condition of the existing wiring.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Jul 30, 2007, 04:49 PM
    If it trips immediately with load wires disconnected, Bad Arc Fault. If you are adding Arc fault to where regular breaker was, may be sharing Neutral. All Hots and Neutrals must be on Load Side of ARC Fault. If neutral from arc circuit paired with porch light switch leg for example, it would trip, They work similar to GFI's.
    Your situation: remove arc fault breaker, unplug everything, and turn off all switches, for that circuit.
    You should read infinity at panel. Resistance between hot or neutral to ground or another hot needs to be located and corrected.
    PDieter's Avatar
    PDieter Posts: 9, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Jul 30, 2007, 10:08 PM
    Thanks guys, I did get it figured out. That PDF I linked is REALLY helpful for troubleshooting these puppies. Ended up being a loose line terminal on an outlet.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Arc Fault Breaker Questions [ 3 Answers ]

I have a house built in 1950 and I am upgrading the fuse box to one with breakers. Thanks for your answers in advance. My question is do you recommend using ARC FAULT breakers for all the old wiring? I know it will cost me more but the wiring is old. Does an ARC FAULT breaker also do the job...

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters [ 4 Answers ]

I realize I have to run Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters for all three of my bedrooms. I was planning on using fluorescent lights in the closets of those bedrooms. True or False, Can I run fluorescent lights on an Arc Fault Interrupter circuit?

Bedroom arc fault [ 4 Answers ]

I know that bedroom circuits need to be on an arc fault breaker. If I have a light switch in a bedroom that operates a light outside the bedroom such as an exterior light, does that switch also need to be on an arc fault breaker? Thanks

ARC fault breakers ? [ 4 Answers ]

I see where the 2005 NEC requires ARC fault breakers on all bedroom circuits,lighting and wall recepticals. It appears that this is for new construction. Would this also apply to rewiring an old house? Thanks in advance. Tom

Arc fault breakers [ 4 Answers ]

I am wiring bedrooms and I know that in California the outlets need to be on an arc fault breaker. 2 questions 1. would there be any problem in wiring a couple of recess lights in the bedrooms on the same circuit with the outlets? 2. There is an outlet in the hallway opposite and outlet in...

View more questions Search