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#61197 01/18/06 10:19 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 814
B
BigB Offline OP
Member
I did a search but didn't see anything on Square D AFCI's. I installed two yesterday, I tested first with Wiggy from H-N, everything ok, breakers held, then from H-G, breakers tripped as expected.

Today homeowner calls, they installed their own paddle fan, they said it trips the AFCI. They also said when they try to use a lamp on either circuit, AFCI trips. I can't go there for a few days, but I seem to remember a recall on Square D AFCI's.

Of course maybe they messed up on the fan and maybe the lamp is arcing or grd fault, I won't know till I get there. I know I didn't mix up the neutrals, besides, if I did then wouldn't the Wiggy have tripped them from H-N?

Any info would be appreciated in regards to what to look for. I have installed dozens of Cutler Hammer AFCI's with no problems.

#61198 01/18/06 11:31 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,374
R
Moderator
The recall that you speak of was not because the breakers were tripping, it becasue they were afraid they would not trip.


Ryan Jackson,
Salt Lake City
#61199 01/20/06 08:49 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 49
S
Member
I ran into a problem w/these breakers everytime i turned on the lites in a bedroom the breaker would trip.
-make sure the wirenuts are tight that was the cause for me.I guess there was just enough arcing that that would cause the trip. I didn't think these brakers were supposed to detect arcing in the hot wire.
-I would make sure the switches are not back stabbed instead wrapped around the screw.

#61200 01/20/06 12:14 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
"Installed a paddle fan"

Take a look at the wirenut with the neutrals in it. I bet there is bare wire showing that is shorting to the box or hickey.


Greg Fretwell
#61201 01/20/06 06:38 PM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20
S
Member
Check for a connection between the grounded and grounding conductor,that will cause the AFCI to trip. Probably in the homeowner installed paddle fan.
Good luck.
Ron M

#61202 01/20/06 08:59 PM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 187
Member
Go to esfi.org, click on news,then product recall. You will find the Square D Arc-Fault recall.


Hank
#61203 01/20/06 09:03 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 251
T
Member
Definately look for all the obvious arc faltf trouble shooting.

We have had small nicks in the wires from utility knifes. The AFCI held fine, but then ever you put it under a load, like turning on the light.. It would trip.

Hopefully its an obvious homeowner mistake in the fan.... or the fan its self is bad.

Might wanna hook a different light up there and see if it trips then. If it does then probable a bad fan.


Shake n Bake

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