Nuisance tripping of AFCI circuit breaker by inrush of current when turning on amplifiers


I recently added an Accuphase power supply for my Accuphase mono blocks.  When I turn on the second mono block it trips the AFCI circuit breaker.  I had no trouble using the mono blocks with a Puritan Audio PSM 156 power conditioner, but it is passive.  The Accuphase PS-1250 is power regenerator with a huge toroidal transformer and a large mechanical on/off switch.  I imagine either the inrush of current from the PS-1250 + 2 mono blocks is too much for the AFCI breaker or their mechanical switches are creating arcs their algorithms do not recognize as normal.

I have a 10 year old Siemens 15 amp AFCI breaker, and my question is what best to replace it with?  I have read that AFCI breakers have improved considerably with less nuisance tripping, and the first step would be to use a current model as a replacement.  But is there a better solution?

Square D makes 'High Magnetic' AFCI breakers that are less prone to nuisance tripping, but I don't know if they would even fit in my panel.  I'm not sure if Siemens makes a similar product.

An electrician coming over at the end of the week, but I thought I would ask here as this must be an issue many audio hobbyists have encountered with AFCI breakers.

toronto416

Showing 2 responses by carlsbad2

The electrician probably can't help you.  What you really need is a soft start on your power supply.  Many large power supplies charge the system through an inductor to limit inrush current and then switch to a straight wire to run the system.  You must not have one but you might check your user manual to make sure that you don't have one and just have it turned off.  You would probably know.

First thing I would do is replace the breaker like you are suggesting.

@erik_squires will show up soon and he is expert in this subject so wait for his recommendation.

Jerry

@Dievi67  good suggestion.  This can be tested by turning the amps on in the opposite order and seeing if it is still the second one that trips or if it is always the same amp that trips the breaker.

Jerry