Modern arc-fault breakers do trip on some motor loads and on shared neutrals, so nuisance tripping is real. It is also exactly what a genuine arcing fault looks like. The two are distinguishable with test equipment and not by guessing, and disabling the breaker is not an option.

This is most common in homes built since 2000. PEX on slab, 200 amp service, builder-grade equipment that reaches end of life across a whole street at once.

Related

• Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel
• Two-prong outlets throughout the house
• Cloth-covered cable visible in the attic or basement
• Fuse panel, or a 60 amp service
• Fuse larger than the wire it protects
• Ceiling fan mounted to a standard light box
• Knob-and-tube still energised
• No GFCI protection anywhere in the house

Back to Electrical.

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Written by Jaylan Jones. I Like To Fix earns a referral fee when a call connects to a contractor. See our business-model disclosure.