AFCI protected circuit problem
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AFCI protected circuit problem
I installed an 20 amp AFCI breaker for a new bedroom. The test at the panel works fine. However, when I plug in any device to any of the outlets on this circuit, the breaker trips. There is a j-box between the panel and the first outlet. There are 3 branches leaving this j-box (one to the outlets, one to the ceiling fan/light, and one to a thermostat that controls the electric heat panels) but only the outlets are currently installed.
I have not yet checked the connections in the j-box or the common and ground connections in the panel to make sure they are all tight. Am I correct in assuming that the problem must be a loose connection at one of these locations? Is there any other possibility?
If there's a short I would think that the breaker would trip without any device plugged in. Is that correct?
Thanks, Joe
I have not yet checked the connections in the j-box or the common and ground connections in the panel to make sure they are all tight. Am I correct in assuming that the problem must be a loose connection at one of these locations? Is there any other possibility?
If there's a short I would think that the breaker would trip without any device plugged in. Is that correct?
Thanks, Joe
#2
Joe, do you have the pigtail of the afci connected to the neutral bar and the neutral (white) of the branch circuit connected to the afci lug. If not the afci will trip as soon as you put a load on the circuit.
#4
It sounds like your neutrals and grounds have become connected somewhere in the circuit. Perhaps you have a bare ground wire touching the white wires in a receptacle box when you packed the wires in. Pull the receptacles out and check for this problem.
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Originally Posted by Roger
Joe, do you have the pigtail of the afci connected to the neutral bar and the neutral (white) of the branch circuit connected to the afci lug. If not the afci will trip as soon as you put a load on the circuit.
Thanks for the brain tickler.......