Some Siemens Circuit Breakers ‘Unusable,’ Suit Says (1)

Siemens Corp. circuit breakers designed to prevent fires from electrical arcing are prone to “nuisance tripping” that makes the devices “effectively unusable,” according to a new complaint filed on behalf of a proposed class in federal court in the District of Columbia.

The problem occurs because the arc fault circuit interrupters can’t distinguish adequately between dangerous and harmless arcs, two electricians’ businesses and a consumer allege. The complaint was filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

“Siemens recognizes that faulty AFCI breakers impose significant costs on homeowners and electricians,” the device owners say.

Plaintiff National ...