[Vladimir]

Originally Posted by champion6

I'm not attacking you, but I think it's unfair to blame your neighbor or Community Standards for the problem. The neighbor has the right to operate the radio. The operation of the radio is not prohibited by deed restrictions.

The problem exists in the breakers. This has already been covered in other posts.

I disagree. Of course he has the legal right but since he is the cause of the problem the right thing to do is to stop disrupting your neighbors or else pay for the fix. There is common courtesy and then there is that pesky legal right.

[Sandy B]

My 15 amp breakers tripped again last night, sometime between 8-9:30 pm. We live in Sanibel. Anyone else? AND what do I need to do to have this fixed?

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Sandy B

My 15 amp breakers tripped again last night, sometime between 8-9:30 pm. We live in Sanibel. Anyone else? AND what do I need to do to have this fixed?

I think if you read the whole thread, there were some knowledgeable posters who gave fixes for the problem.

[birdawg]

Breakers went last night, anyone else?

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by birdawg

Breakers went last night, anyone else?

What kind of breakers, GFCI, AFCI? Was there any lightning in the area? Anything else unusual? please include additional info, this helps all in determining if there is a pattern.

I am in the Village of Pinellas, I have never had any of the above types of breakers trip, in almost 2 years. Neighbor had problems with an AFCI breaker due to the Whirlpool refrigerator LED light noise problem. I did one time have all of the GFCI receptacles trip in the garage when there was a close in lightning strike.

[Retiring]

Originally Posted by champion6

I'm not attacking you, but I think it's unfair to blame your neighbor or Community Standards for the problem. The neighbor has the right to operate the radio. The operation of the radio is not prohibited by deed restrictions.

The problem exists in the breakers. This has already been covered in other posts.

The neighbors “right” to his hobby stops at my property line. The neighbors “right” to his hobby should not disrupt my life. What about my “right” to peaceful enjoyment of my home. Why should the neighbor’s hobby cost me money and inconvenience??? This applies anywhere in this country, including TV.

I realize it’s difficult to tell a neighbor he must stop his hobby till HE makes the necessary modifications to your home. Most hams are reasonable but some may tell you to pound sand, as happened to me (not in TV).

Hopefully, with the updated CBs all will be well in paradise. Wishing everyone a quick resolution.

[Chatbrat]

Refrigerators & freezers should never be on a GFI & a AFCI breaker.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

Refrigerators & freezers should never be on a GFI & a AFCI breaker.

Ok, just a point of clarification. I just checked my CB panel, AFCI breakers are for bedrooms, living room, dining room and nook areas. GFCI breakers, master bath (ceiling light), and washer dryer. the refrigerator and Microwave, etc. were all on regular circuit breakers.
In a previous post I was not clear about the neighbors problem, the refrigerator (on a regular CB) was causing the AFCI for the living room to trip. The electrician simply swapped the refrigerator to a CB on the opposite side of the panel, and this seemed to have stopped the problem.

So it would still be interesting to see if SECO comes up with a cause for multiple CBs tripping at multiple homes in the same general time frame.

Hopes this helps.

[DangeloInspections]

Just to clarify, on the newer homes in The Villages, Refrigerators and freezers are not on GFCI or AFCI breakers.

Some refrigerators emit a radio frequency that can sometimes trip an AFCI breaker, even when it is NOT on that breaker.

As to HAM radio operators, as I said before, the fault here is with the AFCI breakers, as most HAM radio operators keep their outputs well below allowed legal limits.

Hope this helps...

Frank

[tomwed]

"Eaton’s Relyea said that hams experiencing unwanted tripping problems with their or their neighbors’ AFCIs should contact the manufacturer as the first step in rectifying the compatibility issue."

ARRL Helps Manufacturer to Resolve Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter RFI Problems

If some neighbors are having a problem and some not than maybe the problem is unique to a certain make and model of AFCI breakers.

Find out from your electrician hired by the builder the make and model of your breakers. Contact the manufacturer and see what they say. I would use email and forward everything to all concerned including SECO and the village ham radio club if possible.

[tag460]

Update from SECO. I talked to them today and they are working the problem of breakers tripping in our area. They may have a solution and will let us know when the fix is complete. If it happens again please call and let them know.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by tag460

Update from SECO. I talked to them today and they are working the problem of breakers tripping in our area. They may have a solution and will let us know when the fix is complete. If it happens again please call and let them know.

Thank you for the update!!! I would be real interested if they share their solution. Please keep us informed.

[Villager Joyce]

We also had a breaker trip on Monday and then again today. We called SECO and were told they are working with The Villages to find a fix. She mentioned Eaton brand GFI. They are keeping a list of people who have experienced the problem. We are in hillsborough. The area SECO is working on is North of 44 and South of 466A. We will share as info is provided.

[ditka41]

Here is what worked for me and I'd assume it's valid for other owners of homes under warranty: (HOME WARRANTY DEPT IS THE KEY!)

1. Contact Home Warranty Dept and POLITELY explain the breaker problem you experience.
2. Home Warranty will refer you to the electrical contractor who did your house.
3. Call the contractor and state how you were referred. Explain the problem again.
4. Your contractor will probably already know the trouble with the AFCI breakers is really caused by HAM operators and will schedule a visit to your house.
5. ALL my AFCI breakers were replaced (without charge) by the latest generation which is immune to the radio signals.
6. In the six days since replacement there have been no "false trips" and life is good!

NOTE: This is not SECO's fault but they were most courteous when I phoned them , SECO truck arrived within a half hour, and although "not official" they know it's HAM interference causing the tripping and suggested contacting Home Warranty. BTW, although very rude to be causing troubles within the neighborhoods, the HAM people are not doing anything illegal and can not be forced to make changes or desist. Also, when you contact the electrical contractor (AFTER Home Warranty) you may find that some know about the situation and others may not. With mine (who will remain nameless) there was never any doubt. My next door neighbor found his contractor to be skeptical and less cooperative.) Mine simply asked me to count the 15 & 20 Amp breakers so they could bring the right quantity and amperage units for replacement. It only took about 15 minutes to do the job and they were on their way. Good service and excellent response from all, including Home Warranty and SECO and electrical contractor. Second time I have had excellent service by going through the correct channel here.

[tag460]

Actually I did call Contact Home Warranty Dept and politely explain the breaker problem that I and my neighbors experienced. My house is 2.5 years old and my neighbors are just over a year old. Since Home Warranty could not assist me, that is why I called SECO. They acknowledge that there is a problem with breakers tripping and they are working the issue. Will SECO say it's their problem and resolve it with no cost to the home owners? Then again I may be told that its my issue and I will have to call an electrician at my expense. When I here from SECO I will post their response.