[Earnie]

Have a 15 amp Square D AFCI breaker I need to replace.


Would it be best to go with dual function AFCI/GFCI?


All other panel breakers are 20 amp. Can I/should I go up to 20 amp vs the existing 15 amp?


Thanks.

 

[jhil]

Is there a reason you would want to change to a gfci/afci ? Do not increase the breaker size to 20 amp unless you know absolutely certain every wire tied in to this circuit is rated for 20 amp. If not, you would have a fire hazard increasing it

 

[Earnie]

Will keep it 15 amp. There is a ceiling light/fan on the circuit. Not positive but may be only 14/2 wire. Need to replace the AFCI breaker. Thought it best to be dual function.

 

[Wiredindallas]

GFCI is only needed if outside, in a garage, or in a room with a sink/laundry.

 

[seharper]

Heh heh... not to doubt you or anything, but I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't at least ask ...

Why are you replacing the AFCI in the first place?

Because you know, we get this thing *a lot* where people go "My fooFCI device keeps tripping. It must be defective." And further investigation reveals that the fooFCI is actually doing its job, and is correctly detecting a foo fault.... this becomes readily apparent when the new one also trips, the fault tree is worked further, and a $0 solution is found. Now the person is out forty bucks.

So can you say with confidence that you have really worked the fault tree all the way to the end?

 

[Wiredindallas]

Replacing AF

If one breaker is tripping, swap it with another working breaker to determine if it is the breaker or circuit that is at fault.

 

[Earnie]

Here's an update. Issue is corrected.


Outlet tester was showing open ground on all outlets. I metered from outlet to outlet and received continuity. Checked at the panel to be sure both ground and neutral were connected and correctly. Metered between neutral and ground at the first outlet from the AFCI breaker. Not sure why but I thought the breaker might have failed some how hence the question on replacement.


Left the problem for several hours and then gave it a fresh look. I had overlooked a light switch on the same circuit. Opened it up and found the ground wire going to the switch not connected to the other two in the box. Gave it a good wrap with the pliers. Problem fixed.