User: dodgelectric, Location: Florida
Asked on: Wednesday, February 2, 2005 at 6:33 pm EST
Answered on: Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 12:48 pm EDT
Question: Has anyone had experience with an arc fauklt circuit tripping on a motor load - in particular a vacuum (due to the arcing of the brushes).I'd appreciate any feedback.thanks
Yes, it is possible for an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) to trip on a motor load, including a vacuum cleaner. This is because AFCIs are designed to detect and interrupt electrical arcs that can occur in wiring and electrical devices. When the brushes in a vacuum cleaner motor arc, they can create a small electrical arc that can be detected by the AFCI. This can cause the AFCI to trip, interrupting power to the vacuum cleaner.In addition to the arcing of the brushes, other factors that can contribute to AFCI tripping on a motor load include: The type of motor: Some types of motors, such as universal motors, are more likely to produce arcing than others. The load on the motor: A heavily loaded motor is more likely to produce arcing than a lightly loaded motor. The condition of the motor: A motor that is in poor condition or has worn brushes is more likely to produce arcing.If you are experiencing AFCI tripping on a motor load, there are a few things you can do: Reset the AFCI. If the AFCI has tripped, you can reset it by pressing the reset button on the AFCI. Reduce the load on the motor. If the motor is heavily loaded, try reducing the load by unplugging some of the devices that are plugged into the circuit. Inspect the motor. If the motor is in poor condition or has worn brushes, it should be inspected by a qualified electrician.If you have tried these steps and the AFCI is still tripping on the motor load, you may need to have the AFCI replaced. Flag for review