Arc fault Tripping

Funk12doc

So I started this evening by looking at the 2 outlets that were running the space heater at some time during the course of the first few trips.

Once I got inside the first outlet, I notice a screw just laying inside the box. It was about 1.5 inches and it appeared to be touching the exposed copper wire. I was optimistic that this was my problem, but I removed it, turned the breaker back on, but the light switch still tripped the breaker.

I got into the second outlet and noticed that wiring of the 2 outlets were different.

In outlet #1 there are 2 white and 2 black wires coming out of the back. Additionally, there is a white wire, black wire, and exposed copper wire wrapped around the screws on the side of the outlet.

In outlet #2 there are the 2 white and 2 black wires coming out of the back, but there is only the copper wire wrapped around the screw.

I haven't checked all of the outlets on the circuit of course, but just wanted to share this info to see if it should be leading me in a different direction before I get into the other outlets.

Many thanks to all of you still willing to read and assist!

ddawg16

When you say "out the back", do you mean that the wires are pushed into the back of the outlet? If so...this is a 'back stabbed' outlet....and a good chance a source of your problems.

And on the second outlet, the wires are attached to the side screw as well as back stabbed?

It sounds like you should be changing all of your outlets to pigtails....

This is not the best picture...but should give you an idea of how it should look........and no, your wires should not be this long....most of mine are long because I still have drywall to do and I find it's easier for things to stick out like that so I can drywall around them.

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Funk12doc

Ya, it appears mine are back stabbed. Why would the one outlet be back stabbed AND wire wrapped around the screw? Why would be there be 2 of each white/black back stabbed?

Funk12doc

I tired to see if the back stabbed wires were loose but they are in there pretty good.

ddawg16

They may be in pretty good.....but you don't know how good those spring loaded connectors are making contact with everything else.

Trust me...pigtail is the best long term solution. I'm just a plain old home owner....and I learned the hard way....

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Jim Port

The 2 pairs of wires are power in and power out to the downstream part of the circuit. This is why a problem anywhere in the chain can affect many devices.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

Funk12doc

Thanks to everyone for their posts and assistance! Wanted to let you know the final resolution.

After checking the wiring in most of the outlets and all of the switches to no avail, I picked up on something I hadn't noticed before. There was a 4th switch that was tripping the breaker....the bedroom closet light. What was different about this was that when I flipped the switch, the light never came on. The others, the light came on for a split second before going out. That focused me on that light fixture, and when I got it apart I found that the neutral wire to one of the sockets was starting to corrode. It was slightly exposed and touching the metal of the socket. Once I disconnected this fixture, the remaining switches were fine. Just need to replace the fixture now.

Many thanks again!