Eaton AFCI breakers

[2NC995]

Has anyone here had to deal with Eaton AFCI nuisance tripping?

If so, were you able to find a compatible AFCI breaker with RF immunity?

Are the newest version of Eaton’s any better?

Thanks!

 

[ButtFuzz]

I do not have any experience with Eaton AFCI breakers and nuisance tripping.
The theory of an AFCI seems sound to me. Here's a funny story.

When I go into thrift shops, I buy any bathroom appliance (curling iron, hair dryer, etc) that is priced at a buck and has the cheap GFCI type power cord. I solder these things to the receptacle end of my old extension cords just because I can. I have a few in use IN the house on some temporary lighting in my workshop.

They are NOT immune to 'nuisance tripping', and no sooner do I exceed 10 watts, they do all sorts of strange thigs. They chatter, they pop and they make the 60 cycle oh-no sound like when a loudspeaker is hooked directly to the mains. Fun times.

Not trying to hi-jack your thread, but thought maybe you'd enjoy that tale.

 

[2NC995]

Lol. Yeah, that’s interesting for sure.

The first generation of Eaton AFCIs were pretty much junk. They nuisance trip from about anything...vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, etc. But RF really wipes them out. My 30w sideband rig - in my pickup - will trip the entire panel in 2 seconds if I key the mic in the driveway.

I just want to make sure the new ones actually fix the issue before I go chase my tail.

 

[Road Squawker]

are they actually tripping and opening the circuit or do you sometimes get the red flashing light code?

Also,you might want to contact Eaton, BR style breakers have a warranty of 10 years. The CH style breaker have a lifetime warranty.

As an afterthought, what color are the "test buttons" on your AFCI's?
white, or yellow?

 

[2NC995]

They’re tripping.

I’m not so much worried about the warranty, as I am as to whether the newer models work. If they’re going to do the same thing, then I’ll be putting non-afcis in place.

 

[Road Squawker]

notice the difference.....

supposedly modified for Ham usage

look closely at the labels

 

[2NC995]

Yes. I am aware of this.

That’s what I am asking, actually, if the new Eatons were immune to RF, or a waste of time.

Eaton will provide new breakers, I have no doubt, but if they’re not completely immune to RF then I am not going to bother with them.

 

[Road Squawker]

this link is a few years old,... it is a long read, but,.........

Bottom line, Eaton is aware of the issue and in the past has replaced EVERY breaker with a newer style and also paying an electrician to do the work.

https://www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php?action=printpage;topic=96949.0

 

[Road Squawker]

They’re tripping.

I’m not so much worried about the warranty, as I am as to whether the newer models work. If they’re going to do the same thing, then I’ll be putting non-afcis in place.

Square D's will physically fit your panel,.... the fire inspector may not like them tho

 

[2NC995]

By the time a fire inspector is looking around here, the breakers will be beyond identifiable.

 

[2NC995]

The eham thread confirms my suspicion: the replacement breakers do the same thing.

I figure I’ll just put regular breakers in and be done with it.