Table Saw runs on a regular breaker but not an AFCI breaker 1

[rfgoil]

My table saw runs fine on regular breakers but trips the breaker on both 15 and 20 amp AFCI breakers. why is this? Someone suggested the thermal overload may be arcing and causing the breaker trip.

 

[itsmoked]

More than likely the breaker is screwed up, they often are. Unless you have this happen on multiple AFCI breakers that's likely the problem.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[waross]

Sh_t happens, more so with AFCI breakers.
Run the saw on a regular breaker.
Lesson learned?
This saw motor is not compatible with an AFCI breaker.

Bill
--------------------
Ohm's law
Not just a good idea;
It's the LAW!

 

[dik]

What does an arc fault breaker sense that a ground fault doesn't?

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[waross]

The signature waveform of an arc extinguishing and re-striking twice a cycle.

Bill
--------------------
Ohm's law
Not just a good idea;
It's the LAW!

 

[rfgoil]

thanks for the comments: I would like to add the following information:

I have tried 2 different AFCI breakers (both Seimans). Both are tripping when the saw is turned on.

I would gladly use the regular breaker but the City of Calgary insists on AFCI breakers. So, I am looking for another solution!

 

[waross]

Have I missed it?
Have you ever told us the details of the motor?

Bill
--------------------
Ohm's law
Not just a good idea;
It's the LAW!

 

[John2025]

Does it trip a GFCI? Maybe the saw has a ground fault.

 

[waross]

The next thing to check is the condition of the motor starting switch or contactor.

Bill
--------------------
Ohm's law
Not just a good idea;
It's the LAW!

 

[stevenal]

A quick search yielded this for Calgary:

Arc-fault protection
All branch circuits in a dwelling supplying 125V outlets rated 20A or less are to be protected
by a combination-type arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI).
Only the following 15A or 20A outlets are excluded:
■ Kitchen counter, island and peninsula outlets
■ Kitchen refrigerator outlet
■ A cord connected sump pump on a separate breaker (the sump pump must only be plugged into
a single receptacle and labeled sump pump use only)

So an easy way around is to run an extension cord to the kitchen. If this is not acceptable, repair the saw.

 

[rfgoil]

The motor is fine. I ran an extension cord from a regular breaker outlet and it runs perfectly fine.

 

[dik]

Can you add a small transformer between, 110V to 110V to maybe 'smooth' things out? I'm out of my league here...

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[dik]

I assume that's in response to my question... thanks, Bill.

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[waross]

Install a sump pump in your workshop.
Do it in stages;
First the breaker and receptacle.
Next a stack of literature on available sump pumps,
The following steps may take some time to complete.
While saving up to buy the sump pump, (This part may take a number of years or even decades) use the sump pump receptacle to run the saw.
By the way, have you considered the possibility that the breakers are working as intended and that the table be saw may have an internal arc, either in the motor or in the motor controls?
An induction motor should not trigger an AFCI, (Other than a universal motor, such as an older skill saw uses).

Bill
--------------------
Ohm's law
Not just a good idea;
It's the LAW!

 

[waross]

I assume that's in response to my question... thanks, Bill.

Yes. Happy to help.
Bill

Bill
--------------------
Ohm's law
Not just a good idea;
It's the LAW!

 

[dik]

See... I didn't know it was... that's how far out I am...

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[dik]

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik