AFCI Arc Fault Breaker Tripping and the Function of an AFCI Breaker

If you've recently upgraded your home's electrical panel or system, you may have noticed that your AFCI arc fault breaker or your afci receptacles keeps tripping more frequently than before. A tripping breaker can be frustrating and concerning, but it's important to understand what causes an arc fault breaker to trip and how to address it. In this article, we'll discuss the reasons behind AFCI breaker tripping and what you can do to prevent arcing conditions.

What is an AFCI Arc Fault Breaker?

Before we dive into the reasons for tripping, what does arc fault mean. AFCI protection stands for "arc fault circuit interrupter protection" and is a type of circuit breaker that is designed to detect and prevent electrical fires caused by arcing faults on branch circuits. These types of faults occur when there is a loose or damaged wire in your electrical system, causing electricity to jump or arc between the wires. AFCI arcfault breakers protection is required by the National Electrical Code nec code requirements in certain areas of the home, such as dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, to provide an extra layer of protection against electrical fires.

Electrical Panel Upgrades

One of the most common reasons for combination AFCI arc fault circuit breaker boxes keeps tripping is due to recent electrical upgrades in your home. If you've recently added a new electrical circuit or new outlets, light fixtures, or appliances, it's possible that these new additions are causing the breaker to trip or affecting the flow of electricity. This is because AFCI arc fault breakers are more sensitive to changes in the electrical system and may detect arcing faults that were previously undetected. If a tripping breaker is the case, you may need to have an electrician come and make adjustments to your electrical system to prevent the AFCI breaker from tripping.

Overloaded Circuits

Another common cause of AFCI and gfci arc fault breaker having nuisance tripping is overloaded circuits. This occurs when there are too many devices or appliances drawing power from a single circuit. When this happens, the circuit becomes overloaded and the breaker will trip to prevent dangerous arcing, overheating and potential fires. To prevent this from happening, make sure to spread out your electric power usage and avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet or circuit.

Faulty Wiring

In some cases, AFCI arc fault breaker tripping can be caused by a faulty neutral wire, faulty wiring or a short circuit in your home. This can be a dangerous situation as it can lead to electrical fires. If you suspect that your wiring may be the issue, it's important to have a licensed Fort Collins electrician come and inspect your home. They will be able to identify any faulty wiring and make the necessary repairs to keep your home safe. They will inspect to see if you have or are requiring AFCI or ground fault circuit interrupters protection in your home.

Conclusion

In some cases, AFCI arc fault breaker tripping can be caused by a faulty neutral wire, faulty wiring or a short circuit in your home. This can be a dangerous situation as it can lead to electrical fires. If you suspect that your wiring may be the issue, it's important to have a licensed Fort Collins electrician come and inspect your home. They will be able to identify any faulty wiring and make the necessary repairs to keep your home safe before resetting the breaker. They will inspect to see if you have or are requiring AFCI circuit breaker or ground fault circuit interrupters protection in your home.

Contact Titus Electrical Services

Luckily, we know how to fix arc fault issues. if you are looking for an "electrician near me", or "Electrician Fort Collins", At Titus Electrical our licensed electricians are here to help. Our expertise in residential home rewiring and electrical work is vast. Reach out to us at 303-915-5771.