What is Nuisance tripping?

AFCI Breaker Technology: AFCIs are newly-developed electrical devices designed to protect against fires caused by arcing faults in the home electrical wiring. of the major causes of these fires. 

Wiring Problems: When installing an AFCI circuit breaker, the wiring for that circuit requires specific attention. In the early days of AFCI installations, electricians faced issues with nuisance tripping due to incorrect connections of neutral conductors from different circuits outside the main panelboard. Although this practice was never correct, it often went unnoticed. AFCI circuit breakers now promptly trip in response to such improper wiring. Another wiring concern involves compatibility with multi-wire circuits. Older AFCI single-pole breakers on multi-wire circuits led to immediate tripping upon applying a load. Modern solutions from manufacturers like GE, Siemens, Square D, and Cutler Hammer offer AFCI circuit breakers compatible with multi-wire circuits.

Incompatible Electronic Devices: AFCI devices aim to prevent fires by identifying electrical arcs, but their differentiation between normal and potentially hazardous arcs is not foolproof. Numerous electronic devices, including treadmills, televisions, and fluorescent lights, can mislead AFCI devices, causing nuisance tripping. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) highlights this issue in a 2011 document on AFCI and home electrical product compatibility. While newer AFCI generations are less susceptible to problems, they are not entirely immune.

What to do: If an electronic device consistently triggers AFCI tripping, attempting it on a different AFCI circuit can help identify compatibility issues. If the same device trips a different AFCI circuit breaker, it indicates compatibility problems between the electronic device and the AFCI breaker or possibly a significant issue with the device itself. If using the device on a different AFCI breaker doesn't result in nuisance tripping, consider having an electrician replace the AFCI breaker causing the issue. In cases of unidentified tripping, unplugging all devices and reintroducing them one by one can help pinpoint the problem.