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    YeahBoyz's Avatar
    YeahBoyz Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 7, 2015, 11:05 AM
    There are 4 Branch/Feeder (Type AFCI-Type BRAF) test circuit breakers that will not r
    There are 4 Branch/Feeder (Type AFCI-Type BRAF) test circuit breakers that will not reset. All 4 breakers are all in the top left side of the circuit panel box, (order from top to bottom: basement lights/smoke detectors, master bedroom, bedroom 2, & bedroom 3). Two heaters (same outlet) caused the breaker to trip in the master bedroom. Attempting to reset the breaker (after heaters were unplugged), there was a poof and the other 3 Branch/Feeder (Type AFCI-Type BRAF) test circuit breakers tripped (the basement lights and the other 2 bedrooms). I've checked all 6 GFCI outlets and even tripped and reset the ones that were not being used. This happened Sunday around 1:30 am and I've tried to reset it numerous times. Since there was a poof from the circuit panel, would resetting all the other breakers in the panel possibly fix the issue or would replacing the breakers fix the issue? Or, is there a bigger issue with the circuit panel?
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #2

    Nov 7, 2015, 11:53 AM
    If there was a "poof", you could have shorted line inside the panel, a burned wire or something with the panel. If you do not feel comfortable opening the panel to look-there is 240VAC there, get a qualified electrician.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #3

    Nov 11, 2015, 05:33 AM
    Okay let's level set. An AFCI breaker is not a GFCI breaker. They are not protecting against the same things.

    An AFCI is providing protection against fire by looking for arching conditions in the circuit. A GFCI breaker however is providing protection against electrocution by sensing a difference in the current between the hot and neutral conductors.

    You seriously need to get a licensed electrician in to work on your panel and verify all the connections in the failing circuits.

    Working in the panelboard can get you very dead or severely burned if you do not know what to do and how to do it.
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