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 1 response by devinplombier

Could be: 

1. Touchy old AFCI breaker - install new one (same brand), easiest fix

2. AFCIs need neutrals wired back to the same breaker the hot came from. If not, they'll trip all the time. But if a big vacuum cleaner or power tool doesn't trip it, it's likely wired ok.

3. Overcurrent - you need a 20A circuit installed.

Let us know what the electrician says. Good luck!