Arc fault breakers are safety devices that trip and stop the flow of current when they detect an electric arc or spark. As of 2014, NEC electric code requires contractors to install these breakers in all new kitchens and laundry rooms and in new 15 and 20 amp branch circuits. Homeowners may also be required to install arc fault breakers if they replace or upgrade their circuits.
Plugging too many appliances into a circuit, incompatible or faulty appliances, undiagnosed electrical overloads, mold and moisture, and bad or damaged wiring are a few things that cause arc fault breakers to trip. When your appliances are to blame, you can usually fix the problem yourself, but you’ll need to call an electrician to handle problems with your wiring.
If your arc fault circuit breaker is tripping frequently, you’ll need to troubleshoot the issue, then decide if you need to call an electrician for help. Here’s what you should know:
What Is Causing My Arc Fault Breaker to Trip?
Arc fault breakers are designed to monitor electric waveforms and sense dangerous arcs, or electrical leaks that can create excessive amounts of heat and cause fires. Unfortunately, arc fault breakers are sensitive enough to experience “nuisance tripping” from faults that pose little danger. Nevertheless, a tripping arc fault breaker does indicate that your circuit needs attention.
Your arc fault breaker may trip under these circumstances:
You’re Using Incompatible Devices
Some older electric appliances, including heaters, microwaves, power tools, vacuum cleaners, treadmills, and fluorescent lighting, can create mechanical arc patterns that your arc fault breaker will detect as problematic. If your breaker trips when you use a particular appliance, make sure it’s in good working order. Even if it’s undamaged, you should stop using it and replace it with a newer appliance or ask an electrician if there’s a workaround that allows you to use it safely.
Your Wiring or Its Insulation Is Damaged
If you accidentally drive a nail through a wire, use a lamp or appliance with a damaged cord, or have a pest inside your wall that chews through wire or its insulation, there could be a spark on the circuit that trips your breaker.
Your Wiring Is Faulty
If your outlet is wired improperly or the wiring is loose or unshielded, electricity can jump between the conductors and trip the circuit’s arc fault breaker. Wires can also deteriorate as they get older, which can make them susceptible to electric leaks that can cause an arc fault breaker to trip. You should also make sure to plug your appliances into their sockets completely, because exposed prongs can create a spark that could trip your breaker.
Your Arc Fault Breakers Are Improperly Connected
If your arc fault breaker is wired incorrectly, its internal sensors may misread current patterns and trip at the wrong time. Bad connections can also cause your breaker to overheat and trip.
Your Breaker or Circuit Gets Damp or Moldy
Moisture and mold can cause electrical faults and short circuits that can cause your arc fault breaker to trip.
Your Circuits Are Overloaded
If too much electricity flows through a circuit and causes it to overheat, its arc fault breaker may trip. Plugging in too many appliances on a single circuit and using them at the same time or using high-powered devices on low-powered circuits can cause overloads that could lead to electrical fires.
Your Arc Fault Breaker Is Damaged
Occasionally, arc fault breakers can get damaged if they experience frequent overloads and resets. Outdated breakers may also be more likely to malfunction and trip when they shouldn’t.
How Do I Troubleshoot a Tripping Arc Fault Breaker?
If your arc fault breakers trip frequently, it’s important to identify the cause of the problem and resolve it. These troubleshooting steps will help you identify the fault by isolating the appliance or circuit that’s causing the issue.
Unplug All Devices from the Circuit
First, unplug all devices from your circuit, turn off the lights, and reset the breaker. If it doesn’t trip after you turn the lights back on, it’s likely a faulty appliance, bad connection, or overload caused the problem.
Plug in and Turn on Your Appliances One by One
Think about what devices were running the last time your breaker tripped, then try to pinpoint the appliance, outlet, or lighting fixture that caused the service interruption. Plug in and turn on each device, one at a time. If the breaker trips again, try to isolate the problem. Check the appliance for problems with the insulation or frayed or pinched wires. If you see arcing or sparks near the outlet, you should call an electrician.
Reduce the Load on the Circuit
If you use too many appliances at once, you can overload your circuit and cause your arc fault breaker to trip. Try using high-powered appliances like hair dryers and vacuum cleaners on different circuits or at different times to reduce the electric load.
Check for Damaged Wires and Loose Connections
Damaged wiring and loose connections can cause arc fault breakers to trip, so look for signs of broken insulation, loose or frayed wiring and cords, and loose switches or sockets. If there is any chance that the problem is unseen or bigger than you can detect on your own, call an electrician.
Replace Any Faulty Arc Fault Breakers
If your arc fault breaker still trips after you have carried out the previous troubleshooting steps, your breaker may be damaged or worn out. After checking to make sure the breaker is properly connected, call your electrician to replace it with an updated and more advanced breaker.
How Can I Prevent My Arc Fault Breakers from Tripping?
After you’ve isolated the issue that is causing your arc fault breakers to trip, you can usually figure out what to do next. If an appliance is causing the circuit interruption, then the problem is likely to be outside the wiring system. You can usually resolve the issue by replacing the offending device. This is also true if you’re overloading a circuit with too many devices—just move some of your appliances to another circuit. Otherwise, you may have problems with your wiring, breakers, or electrical system that need professional service. In this case, you should call an electrician to inspect your wiring, outlets, switches, breakers, electrical panels, and junction boxes to isolate and fix any problems and ensure your electrical system is safe. It’s important to understand the extent of your problem and take action because issues caused by electrical arcs can escalate and lead to bigger problems, including shocks, fires, and other injuries and property damage.
Call Mister Sparky to Fix Your Tripping Arc Fault Breakers
If your arc fault breaker trips frequently, you need to identify and fix the problem right away. The experts at Mister Sparky can inspect your system, isolate the issue, and get your electrical system in tip-top shape.