AFCI tripping with welder

[Robert Urquhart]

I have EATON type BR combination AFCI circuit breakers and GFCI outlets. When I start my 110V Lincoln welder the AFCI circuit breaker trips; The GFCI does not. Replacing the circuit breaker without AFCI solves the problem. How come?

 

[nadogail]

Maybe, there is a problem with the breaker. Did you try the welder on another circuit protected by another breaker?

 

[Robert Urquhart]

Yes. The welder trips every AFCI breaker circuit. Every circuit also had GFCI outlets - could there be a conflict?

 

[nadogail]

Yes, there just might be a conflict but I can't be sure what if might be.

There have been design changes and new products introduced since I was forced into retirement because of my age.

Consider this: You are having difficulties with Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) when you are using a welder that is essentially an electric arc device. Maybe your welder, which my be working fine just is not the kind of device that should be fed by an AFCI.

I suggest you call your welder manufacturer's tech support service.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Where are you using this welder? In a garage? If so, and IF the circuit only feeds the garage, then remove the AFCI breaker and swap it with a regular breaker.

Anything that arcs will trip an AFCI. This includes anything with a motor with brushes...

 

[Bert_]

Afci's are a pain. I've had trouble with many appliances tripping them. Sometimes they do it everytime, sometimes once a year. I have no love for the AFCI's. If one gives me trouble I will replace it with a regular breaker once the inspection is done.

 

[Higgins]

AFCI - An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is an advanced circuit breaker that, as a way to reduce electrical fire threats, breaks the circuit when it detects a dangerous electric arc in the circuit that it protects.

Had the same issue with my 2nd garage build. So any device that has some form of arcking will trip the breaker. So older drills, drill presses, shop vacs etc will do the same.

 

[marinusdees]

AFCI - An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is an advanced circuit breaker that, as a way to reduce electrical fire threats, breaks the circuit when it detects a dangerous electric arc in the circuit that it protects.

Had the same issue with my 2nd garage build. So any device that has some form of arcking will trip the breaker. So older drills, drill presses, shop vacs etc will do the same.

All electric arcs are not dangerous. Jus' sayin'. If they were, the catastrophes would be countless.

 

[pbon]

My welder trips AFCI as well. Plug it into a non AFCI protected plug and no problem.

Did not try a GFCIto see whether there is any difference.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

All electric arcs are not dangerous. Jus' sayin'. If they were, the catastrophes would be countless.

Tell that to the circuitry in the breaker

My welder trips AFCI as well. Plug it into a non AFCI protected plug and no problem.

Did not try a GFCI to see whether there is any difference.

A GFCI wont care unless the hot and neutral current are not the same within 5ma....

 

[pbon]

Good to know; thanks. I will try a GFCI breaker since that circuit now has none. An alternative I may do is run a dedicated line to that outlet for welder use since I can get access from the basement.

When I was buying breakers for the garage renovation, the AFCI were on sale for a fraction of the price of the GFCI so I bought them.

 

[sberry]

The sign of a good install is a dedicated circuit for tools like this.

 

[Higgins]

Just as an FYI, I had 2 circuits in the garage where the romex ran in parallel from the electrical panel. Using the welder on the non GFI / AFCI circuit would trip the AFCI circuit breaker. Moved the romex ~ 6" solved the problem.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Good to know; thanks. I will try a GFCI breaker since that circuit now has none. An alternative I may do is run a dedicated line to that outlet for welder use since I can get access from the basement.

When I was buying breakers for the garage renovation, the AFCI were on sale for a fraction of the price of the GFCI so I bought them.

This is flawed thinking and reasoning.

AFCI and GFCI do NOT provide the same protection.

Code requires GFCI protection in garages but not AFCI.

AFCIs cause many problems and are frowned upon by most of the electricians in this forum.

GFCIs on the other provide good protection against shock and electrocution and should be used.

NEVER substitute AFCIs for GFCIs

 

[pbon]

I just checked them and they are Siemens arc fault/ground fault. Is the combination breaker wrong?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I just checked them and they are Siemens arc fault/ground fault. Is the combination breaker wrong?

What brand of panel do you have?

 

[nsula_country]

AFCI technology was rushed and hasn't matured.

CT

 

[egdede]

Where are you using this welder? In a garage? If so, and IF the circuit only feeds the garage, then remove the AFCI breaker and swap it with a regular breaker.

Anything that arcs will trip an AFCI. This includes anything with a motor with brushes...

I believe their algorithms have improved, and are better able to see the difference between a motor brush and an arcing fault. I've got Seimans arc-fault breakers; purchased in 2015. I can run a harbor freight SDS Max drilll that shoots sparks out of the motor case without trouble.

(Of course, how do I really know it's working? Just because the test button trips it?)

 

[tfi racing]

Time to get rid of that child's toy and get a real welding machine...

 

[pbon]

What brand of panel do you have?

I can’t recall and am out of town but will check. This is the only picture I have on my phone and it covers only the breakers

 

[Showkey]

This brings us closer to those in denial that GFCI can also have nuisance tripping.
I don’t know anyone with AFCI that does not have some level of nuisance tripping........one neighbor wants to take the builder and electrical contractor to court.