2. amps-preamps
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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 normb

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normb
194 posts
 

1- ARC-fault Circuit Breakers (and GFCI) age.

2- AFCI CB’s are often garbage out of the box.

3- replace yours with a NORMAL breaker, NON GF/AF if nowhere near water.

 

we JUST a month ago  passed final electrical inspection. the day before, the team of electricians finishing up pulled SIX  of the new/improved NEC-tech weenie designed “saving lives” models as, out of the box, they were failing, tripping repeatedly.

Interestingly, a month earlier, ONE of them tripped randomly and it happened to power our home alarm system. So for four weeks we had NO fire/flood/break-in protection. once the battery backup/UPS ran down.

But, NEC tech weenies say “mUh SaFEtee! dErP!”

The MINUTE after the electrician left, new Certificate of Occupancy sticker on the breaker box, I replaced THAT breaker with a NORMAL, NON GF/AF CB.

 

It’s your house, your decision. Spend another $100 for another AFCI type CB or more. Pays your money, takes your chances.

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