An arc fault breaker helps safeguard against electrical fires by limiting hazardous sparking. It’s designed to trip when potential danger is detected. The circuit will be de-energized immediately, thus giving you an elevated level of protection. Families are able to relax at home with an enhanced sense of security. Here are some of the key reasons why your arc fault breaker is tripping.
Overloaded Circuit
An overloaded circuit is among the top causes of a tripped arc fault breaker. When too many devices are being powered by a single circuit, trouble is bound to occur. The load needs to be evenly distributed across multiple circuits. You must be especially careful when using high-power appliances, such as certain space heaters and countertop microwaves. During the holiday season, you should also be careful about putting too many lights on the same circuit. The electrical wires will be more prone to overheating.
Faulty Wiring
Your home’s various electrical wires need to be in good condition. Loose wires should be repaired as soon as possible. When an arc fault breaker’s internal sensors detect a loose connection, you can expect the system to trip. However, exposed wires are even more concerning. In some instances, the issue stems from rodents gnawing through the insulation. Home remodelers can also damage wiring while completing renovations. This is why Mister Sparky recommends periodic electrical inspections. An expert can alert you to a potential problem ahead of time.
Dampness
Your home’s electrical system needs to be shielded from dampness at all times. Over time, moisture can cause electrical connectors to corrode. High humidity also fosters the growth of mold, which further increases the risk of short circuits. This is especially true for spaces such as the bathroom and kitchen.
Age
If you have an older home, its electrical system has naturally experienced greater wear and tear over the years. Outdated wiring is more likely to show signs of brittleness. Frequent circuit tripping could indicate the need for new wiring. Not only will investing in new wiring give your household an added sense of safety, but it can also increase your property value.
Faulty Appliances
Even if your home’s electrical system is in top-notch condition, a faulty appliance can still cause circuit tripping. Furthermore, some older appliances are simply not compatible with newer arc fault breakers. The only real solution is to upgrade your appliances.
Worn Arc Fault Breaker
Like most things, arc fault breakers will need to be replaced at some point. As its internal components begin to wear out, malfunctioning is more likely to occur. The system may begin to trip without there being an actual problem. When dealing with an old arc fault breaker, simply pulling a plug from a receptacle could cause tripping. After examining and testing the arc fault breaker, a licensed electrician can tell you the best course of action to take.