AFCI breaker trip
#1
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AFCI breaker trip

I read one posting on this site regarding how to check if the breaker is still good: remove the black wire from the breaker and try to reset the breaker. If it holds, then it is good. I followed this method, but the breaker cannot hold. Does it mean, the new breaker I just replaced is dead?
Last edited by myhoho; 01-26-14 at 02:07 PM. Reason: load a photo
#2
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In your main panel the ground and neutrals are connected to the same bus. This is normal. If this is a sub panel then they should be separated.
Just to be clear, the circuit breakers reset, restoring power to the circuit, but will not trip with the test button on the breaker, correct?
In your main panel the ground and neutrals are connected to the same bus. This is normal. If this is a sub panel then they should be separated.
Just to be clear, the circuit breakers reset, restoring power to the circuit, but will not trip with the test button on the breaker, correct?
#5
After I replaced the circuit breaker, restoring power, the breaker immediately tripped. I reset the breaker and it trips again immediately.
Have you changed or added anything recently? You will need to start taking things apart on the circuits until you clear the fault. Best thing to do is start about the middle of the circuit, disconnect half and see if the breaker holds. Look for a neutral to ground fault such as a ground wire touching the neutral screws of a receptacle.
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Yes. They are next to each other on the panel. Previous 2 AFCI circuit breakers are about 7 years old. The 1st one tripped last Friday. I tried to reset, but it does not respond when I pressed the test button. seems it is no good. Then, I checked the other one on Saturday. It responded once when I press the test button, then tripped, and no longer respond when I press the test button. I bought two new AFCI CBs and replaced the two. Both tripped immediately when energized, and keep tripping.
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I added a light with 3-way switches. After the breaker tripped, I removed the connection and replaced the old AFCI breakers with the new ones, but both breaker still tripping.
What is the key difference between the combination AFCI breaker and the previous one (non-combination)? Does it mean, if I replace the same model of the circuit breaker, it may work? Home Depot does not have the previous model in store anymore. I have to order online. It may take up to two weeks.
The other question I have is: if the new breaker tripping too often, will it be damaged? I noticed that sometimes, I reset, it seems hold in On, but bedroom is still no power. I am afraid that I might have broken the new breakers.
What is the key difference between the combination AFCI breaker and the previous one (non-combination)? Does it mean, if I replace the same model of the circuit breaker, it may work? Home Depot does not have the previous model in store anymore. I have to order online. It may take up to two weeks.
The other question I have is: if the new breaker tripping too often, will it be damaged? I noticed that sometimes, I reset, it seems hold in On, but bedroom is still no power. I am afraid that I might have broken the new breakers.
#8
Both tripped immediately when energized, and keep tripping.

Disconnect the wires going to the breaker and see if it will reset. If it does, the breaker is fine and you have a fault in the circuit and need to find it. If it still trips, you have a faulty breaker.
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Since I replaced the old breaker with the new one, I followed the same connection: connected both hot and neutral of the circuit to the breaker as labelled, and connected the pigtail to the neutral bus.
After I disconnect the hot wire from the breaker, the breaker still trip. Sounds like I already broke the new breaker?
After I disconnect the hot wire from the breaker, the breaker still trip. Sounds like I already broke the new breaker?
#10
What is the key difference between the combination AFCI breaker and the previous one (non-combination)?
The Basics of Arc-Fault Protection | content content from Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) Magazine
#12
After I disconnect the hot wire from the breaker, the breaker still trip. Sounds like I already broke the new breaker?
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The electrician came today, and took him less than 5 min to find the problem. Actually, I am a little embarrassed to say, there was no problem at all. It is all because I did not properly reset the breaker each time. He showed me that, for AFCI breaker, it trips to middle. I need to set it to Off before setting back to On. He set both AFCI breakers on and everything is fine. Both old breakers work just fine. This $125 lesson taught me to read every detail carefully, and don’t assume anything. Anyway, I have learned a great deal about AFCI circuit breaker. Thank you all for the help.
#15
The electrician came today, and took him less than 5 min to find the problem. Actually, I am a little embarrassed to say, there was no problem at all. It is all because I did not properly reset the breaker each time. He showed me that, for AFCI breaker, it trips to middle. I need to set it to Off before setting back to On.

#16
After I disconnect the hot wire from the breaker, the breaker still trip.


#17
myhoho: your experience is like one's I've had over the years. I've learned a lot by doing things myself. But every now and then I still fail to take something obvious into account when fixing or building something. Guess it's just part of the process of doing it yourself. Thanks for sharing.
#19
After I disconnect the hot wire from the breaker, the breaker still trip.
I would say I'm embarrassed, but I'm not. I was mislead by your statements similar to above
I read one posting on this site regarding how to check if the breaker is still good: remove the black wire from the breaker and try to reset the breaker. If it holds, then it is good. I followed this method, but the breaker cannot hold.