Just put in 2 new Cutler Hammer 15amp AFCI breakers at my sisters and they trip with the vacuum. I have been told by C-H in the past to use a surge trap.
Told my sister to get the surge strip at her computer and we plugged the vacuum into the strip and PRESTO the breaker held...
those are bad AFCI breakers. have done seveal hundred multifamily apt in the last few years. some brands of afci just have more troubles than others. if the AFCI works properly it does not need a surge strip or anythig else.