Are Murray AFCI's compatible with GE? I put one in a panel and the breaker shuts off everything in that bedroom when the the TEST button is pressed. And the power is restored when it is Reset. But the AHJ says he put a AFCI tester in the receptacle and it did not trip it.

Murray AFCIs may be compatible with GEs,(in that they fit) but not listed for use in the panel. Read the instruction label on the inside of the door for approved breakers.....and buy a GE AFCI.

I'm surprised that the inspector did not catch this.

As for the brand compatibility, I cannot say. You'd have to check the UL web site, or ask your GE rep that question.

My real problem is the AHJ using a 'tester.' According to UL, the only true test of an AFCI is with the test button on the breaker. "Testing" tools might be nice, but the results are open to debate.

Simply put, the breaker makers are not about to tell the instrument makers just exactly what their magic AFCI tests for. So, the instrument makers are left to guess. As a result, a particular tester may work on one brand of breaker, but not another.