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

    Nov 23, 2007, 09:35 AM
    Arc fault breakers kick off
    Our bedrooms all have arc fault breakers... when you plug a vacumn cleaner into the wall outlets in any of the bedrooms, the breakers kick out and have to be re-set... they are 15 amp breakers... what can I do?
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Nov 23, 2007, 09:57 AM
    Could be the vacuum has a problem, Have you tried to plug in anything else?

    If I was to guess, These were recently added or recepticles are now just being used.
    They can't simply be swaped like a regular breaker.
    If neutral is shared with another circuit. It will trip.
    May need to pull a neutral from panel to where the circuits separate.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 23, 2007, 10:23 AM
    What is the load of the vacuum in amps, watts or horsepower? This info can be found on the nameplate of the appliance. Could be the vacuum is adding too much to the circuit so the load of the vacuum and the other load on the circuit is causing an overload.

    Or it can be the brushes in the vacuum motor are worn and causing arcing, which is exactly what will affect an Arc Fault breaker
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 troubleshooting [ 4 Answers ]

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?

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...

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