Testing AFCI

[John Dirks Jr]

I understand I will be required to test AFCI's. What is the cheapest reliable equipment available that will help me with this task?

I know, I got cheap and reliable in the same sentence. I hope its not just wishful thinking.

I know there was a few older threads on this but I want to renew the subject since maybe some new devices are available or other less expensive one have been improved.

[chicago]

I check it with the reset button at the panel.

[Mike Lamb]

From Square D.

http://ecatalog.squared.com/pubs/Circui ... rs%20(AFCI)/0760DB0501.pdf

"Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter

Tester? Not Really.

The proper way to test an AFCI is to use the push-to-test button located on the device.

Using an AFCI indicator, also referred to as an “AFCI tester,â€

[homnspector]

"The bottom line is that the test button on the AFCI is the only recognized method for testing the proper operation of the

AFCI."

Same as with GFCI

[chicago]

I check it with the reset button at the panel. LOL

[John Dirks Jr]

How about this approach? Trip all the AFCI's at the panel then walk to the receptacles that should be protected by them and check to make sure they are not hot.

[Bain]

And then there's the final step . . . field the phone call from the seller who's ticked off about the blinking clock digits and the computers and peripherals that were restarted/shut-down.

[John Dirks Jr]

Originally posted by Bain

And then there's the final step . . . field the phone call from the seller who's ticked off about the blinking clock digits and the computers and peripherals that were restarted/shut-down.

I hear ya there Bain. I will probably make it standard to discuss those things prior to starting the inspection.

I will suggest that they shut down any computer systems if at all possible. I wont have a problem going back and setting clocks. How long could that take? If I miss one, oh well. They were discussed in the beginning anyway.

We dont live in a perfect world, oh well.[:-indiffe

[Inspectorjoe]

chicago Posted - Jul 28 2007 : 12:35:23 PM:

"I check it with the reset button at the panel."

You check it with the reset button? I'm intrigued. I've been using the test button. It sounds like I can save a step with your method.[]

AHI Posted - Jul 29 2007 : 05:01:28 AM:

"I will suggest that they shut down any computer systems if at all possible. I wont have a problem going back and setting clocks. How long could that take? If I miss one, oh well. They were discussed in the beginning anyway."

I don't test AFCI's in occupied houses. I disclaim them and recommend the buyer test them before they move into the house. If I accidentally trip a breaker on bedroom circuit I don't reset the clocks, since I can't know what wake up time they were programmed for. A flashing clock lets the owner know to do it (homeowners are rarely at the inspection 'round these parts).

I'd rather have a homeowner mildly annoyed from having to reset a clock to a seriously ticked off one who was late for work.

[John Dirks Jr]

Good point joe.