GUIDE FOR TESTING AFCI PROTECTED CIRCUITS
06-19-2008
As of June 2008 (serial# 0822001 or higher), the IDEAL AFCI Circuit Tester’s firmware has been modified to increase the arcing signature used to test CAFCI protected branch circuits.
Proper Test Methodology when using the IDEAL AFCI Circuit Tester model 61-059 for Branch Circuits Protected by AFCIs:
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.