What is a arc fault curcuit breaker and why are they so touchy?

Question

I have two 15 amp arc fault curcuit breakers that always seem to keep triggering when it gets hot outside. The load in the two rooms that these protect does not change whatsoever all year long yet on a hot 95 degree day just start going off two or three times during the heat of the day. The electrical panel faces south so it gets the direct sun on it. I have no problem when it is cold outside just on hot days seems to be when I have all the problems with these breakers triggering off. My computer network is hooked to these breakers. One desktop one printer and one router. Do I have defective breakers ???

Answer 1

It could well be the heat, and the Arc Fault module

may have little to do with your problem.

Breakers in general operate on thermal/magnetic

trip sensors, (the Arc Fault sensor is designed to

recognize a high resistance arcing fault such as

those commonly associated with extention cord fires

by  its electronic 'signature').

The thermal portion of the trip sensor is for overloads.

If that panel is being externally heated, the breakers may

well trip at lower than rated currents.

I'd suggest shading that panel.

Don't restrict air circulation though.

Answer 2

It could be the breakers are getting weak. When you reset them be sure to turn them all the way off then back on. If you can see that the wire is 12 guage going to the breaker you may try using a 20 amp breaker without any problems. If this doesn't solve the problem have the power company check your incoming voltage and the ground. The heat of the day should not make any difference.

Answer 3

Never heard of an arc fault circuit breaker.  Could it be a Ground Fault Circuit Breaker (GFCI) (the "I" is for interrupter)?  It is possible they are weak and if the sun is pretty hot, they could trip.  Is it possible to shade them?  Might be worth it to replace them.

Answer 4

irv has it.  the higher the temperature in the panel the lower the current needed to cause a trip.