2. amps-preamps
  3. 193049-343

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 randymaqp

randymaqp
21 posts
 

I’m not familiar with your amps or their power requirements, but this was my situation:

I have 5 year old Eaton 20 amp CH type AFI breakers and one started tripping after I got my new McIntosh MC611 amplifiers. The dealer took the amps back and thoroughly tested them and, of course, didn’t find any problems,  I called an electrician who replaced the breaker with a new one, and the problem went away.  He told me that those breakers had a recall on them so he’s coming back to replace them under warranty. 
 

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