AFCI Breaker Keeps Tripping Off
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Why does my AFCI breaker keep tripping, is it because it is on a shared neutral wire? © By: Dave Rongey |
AFCI Breaker Problem
Electrical Project: My AFCI breaker keeps tripping, is it because it is on a shared neutral wire?
- I am remodeling a bedroom putting in tamper-resistant Outlets and arc fault breaker. The single pole breaker keeps tripping,
- I think because it is on a shared neutral wire. I have measured resistance between the neutral and ground on both the black and red wires I didn’t find a problem there.
- If I remove the red wire from a breaker then the arc fault works okay. Is it logical that the circuit with the black wire is okay and I move the single pole to the circuit with the red wire and it works okay that if I get a double pole arc fault it should work?
- I just don’t want to buy it $200 breaker and find that it still tips.
This electrical wiring question came from Loren, a Handyman in Minnesota.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Loren.
AFCI Breaker Keeps Tripping Off
- Application: AFCI Breaker in the Main Panel.
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
- Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
- Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
- Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Main Panel, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
- Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Main Panel should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
- Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in your specific location. A permit and inspections may also be required.
AFCI Breaker on a Circuit with a Shared Neutral
This electrical wiring project is about AFCI Breaker in a Main Panel that provides power to the bedroom outlets.
AFCI Circuit Breaker Problem
Reviewing the Electrical Question:
- The single pole breaker keeps tripping, I think because it is on a shared neutral wire.
- Loren, from the information you have provided, you are correct.
- The neutral wire of the AFCI circuit cannot be shared with another circuit, such as with a multi-wire circuit.
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