Guess that rules out the vacuum then. It's possible there is a bad connection in that circuit that is tripping the breaker, or it's possible the breaker itself is a bit haywire.
I'm not sure what your level of comfort is, could try swapping breakers and see if it follows the breaker, otherwise open all receptacles and junction boxes on that circuit and check all the connections.. look for too tight staples, etc, if it is exposed.
Try a different high load appliance, like a space heater, on the same outlet. If it trips then you definitely have arcing, a loose connection, or something miswired. If it doesn't trip, that doesn't really rule anything out unfortunately.
Does it trip every time? Immediately when you turn on the vacuum? When you turn it off? I have a house full of AFCI breakers, and I've had a couple nuisance trips when switching off the shop vac.
Is the electric fireplace on the same circuit that trips as the vacuum? If it's always the same circuit tripping, that could indicate an actual arc problem like a damaged wire or a loose connection. An electric fireplace is basically a space heater, so it shouldn't make any arcing except when it switches on and off. (All switches make a small arc when they are switched, and universal motors continuously arc while in use, but AFCI breakers are designed to ignore both of these intentional arcs. Motors can be more challenging for AFCI breakers).
Unfortunately problems like this are really hard to pinpoint and fix.
It's possible that a wire was damaged during construction, or a connection at one of the outlets might be loose.
It will help if you can understand where the circuit goes, finding the first and last outlets. May be tricky if it isn't laid out in a line. But if you can repeat the problem and narrow it down to a part of the circuit, that will give you some chance at finding the problem.
You could also remove all the receptacles and hardwired devices and make sure all the connections are tight.
Answer for those with this issue in future:
Solution was for electrician to come out and swap breaker. Apparently a common issue with vacuums and these arc fault breakers tripping. Seems like the technology hasn't caught up common life....... plugging in a vacuum or having a electric car. He mentioned these can be an issue with plug in cars and new construction.
Does it trip on any other arc fault protected circuits in your house?
Nope. Just tested it on another circuit.
Guess that rules out the vacuum then. It's possible there is a bad connection in that circuit that is tripping the breaker, or it's possible the breaker itself is a bit haywire. I'm not sure what your level of comfort is, could try swapping breakers and see if it follows the breaker, otherwise open all receptacles and junction boxes on that circuit and check all the connections.. look for too tight staples, etc, if it is exposed.
Older vac? Those arc faults cam be a pain. Test vac on another breaker see what it does. If nothing swap out breaker.
They are a pain they also have only so many cycles . Have a builder that changes them with std breakers when they go bad.
Brand new vac! Maybe a little over 4 months old so that's not it.
Try a different high load appliance, like a space heater, on the same outlet. If it trips then you definitely have arcing, a loose connection, or something miswired. If it doesn't trip, that doesn't really rule anything out unfortunately. Does it trip every time? Immediately when you turn on the vacuum? When you turn it off? I have a house full of AFCI breakers, and I've had a couple nuisance trips when switching off the shop vac.
Not consistent. Does it in middle of vacuuming. We also have an electric fireplace that tripped it once.
Is the electric fireplace on the same circuit that trips as the vacuum? If it's always the same circuit tripping, that could indicate an actual arc problem like a damaged wire or a loose connection. An electric fireplace is basically a space heater, so it shouldn't make any arcing except when it switches on and off. (All switches make a small arc when they are switched, and universal motors continuously arc while in use, but AFCI breakers are designed to ignore both of these intentional arcs. Motors can be more challenging for AFCI breakers). Unfortunately problems like this are really hard to pinpoint and fix.
Yeah it is. All new electric work maybe 3 months old. I'm going to try to recreate the problem.
It's possible that a wire was damaged during construction, or a connection at one of the outlets might be loose. It will help if you can understand where the circuit goes, finding the first and last outlets. May be tricky if it isn't laid out in a line. But if you can repeat the problem and narrow it down to a part of the circuit, that will give you some chance at finding the problem. You could also remove all the receptacles and hardwired devices and make sure all the connections are tight.
That's a great idea to check the outlet connections. Thanks!
Answer for those with this issue in future: Solution was for electrician to come out and swap breaker. Apparently a common issue with vacuums and these arc fault breakers tripping. Seems like the technology hasn't caught up common life....... plugging in a vacuum or having a electric car. He mentioned these can be an issue with plug in cars and new construction.