Sure Test fails to trip AFCI breakers

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

New construction. None of the tested Square-D breakers would trip with a Sure-test. Got a strange read-out. What do you think?

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

You didn't wait long enough between tests. After a series of tests, it needs to cool down. Manual calls for 20 seconds between tests to dissipate heat.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Thanks Stephen.

None of the AFCI's tripped however. I've heard that the test button is the accepted test method, but when I can't get them to trip using the Sure-test, I write it up.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Thanks Stephen.

None of the AFCI's tripped however. I've heard that the test button is the accepted test method, but when I can't get them to trip using the Sure-test, I write it up.

Did they trip with the test button?? .
That is the recommended way to test

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by rcooke

Did they trip with the test button?? .
That is the recommended way to test

Exactly Roy.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Have you got a updated one/ we had problems with a couple of manufactures Siemens was one . Ideal had to update the unit

[Robert Meier]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Thanks Stephen.

None of the AFCI's tripped however. I've heard that the test button is the accepted test method, but when I can't get them to trip using the Sure-test, I write it up.

Does the test button trip the breaker? If so how can you write it up? Isn't the TEST button the prescribed testing method set forth by the manufacturer?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by Robert Meier

Does the test button trip the breaker? If so how can you write it up? Isn't the TEST button the prescribed testing method set forth by the manufacturer?

What do you say when your tester won't trip a GFCI? I view AFCI's no differently. If I have an expensive device that is designed to trip the breaker and it does not, I write it up like so:

"An arc-fault circuit interrupters protecting the bedrooms and living areas do not trip when tested using a Sure-Test circuit analyzer, and should be evaluated by a licensed electrician. AFCI receptacles are life saving devices but may fail or be defective from the manufacturer. Any claim that the only reliable test is by using the breaker's integrated test button should be substantiated with written documentation from the manufacturer."

[Jim Port]

The only UL recognized test method is the built-in test buttons. You are not using a tester, it is more properly called an indicator.

To write up something when the proper procedure works would be a poor call IMO.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Ideal's test recommendation:

http://www.idealindustries.com/media...d_circuits.pdf

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Ideal's test recommendation:

http://www.idealindustries.com/media...d_circuits.pdf

From the link...They recommed using the integral test button.

Can the underlined/bolded always be verified by the home inspector?

1. At the panel, operate the test button on the AFCI breaker installed in the branch circuit.
a. If the AFCI breaker trips, reset the breaker to restore power.
b. If the AFCI breaker does not trip, verify proper installation of the breaker. If the installation is correct and the breaker still does not trip, replace the faulty breaker.
2. Then, check each outlet on the branch circuit for proper wiring configuration by using the LEDs on the 61-059 tester.
3. Go to the furthest outlet on the branch circuit from the panel and conduct an AFCI trip test with the tester.
a. If the breaker trips, then use the tester to check that each outlet on the branch circuit has been de-energized to confirm that the outlets are on the same AFCI branch circuit.
b. If the breaker doesn’t trip, then the branch circuit may have excessive line impedance (i.e. voltage drop) from undersized wiring, loose wire connections and/or faulty wiring devices. The SureTest® model 61-165 can be used to further identify the source of high impedance on the branch circuit.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

There are certain types of AFCI breakers that do not trip when the SureTest is used, although the AFCI function is operational.

As long as the circuit is opened when the internal test button on the breaker is used, the AFCI is considered functional.

The readings on your SureTest show "caution" (triangle with exclamation), "don't operate" (circle with line), "over heated" (thermometer) and "wait" (hour glass) - in other words STOP!

[Sean Fogarty]

I thought the appropriate way was to test at the breaker itself??

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by Jim Port

The only UL recognized test method is the built-in test buttons. You are not using a tester, it is more properly called an indicator.

To write up something when the proper procedure works would be a poor call IMO.

Exactly.

Same if your Tester does not trip a GFCI and the Test Button does trip the Circuit, it is not a defect.

[Brian A. MacNeish]

Originally Posted by bkelly2

Exactly.

Same if your Tester does not trip a GFCI and the Test Button does trip the Circuit, it is not a defect.

I carry 3 GFCI testers in my tool kit from the small $10 type to the original Suretest I bought in 1985. If none of my testers will trip a GFCI and the test button does, I call it as a defect!! Just being safe......... when 3 testers that are designed to "create a ground fault condition" do not cause a trip, I'm assuming the GFCI unit will not trip when a real one occurs!