An AFCI tripping under load is detecting arcing, not overload — isolate loads to find the arc path rather than swapping in a standard breaker.
Stop and call a licensed electrician or emergency services now if there's smoke, sparks, a burning smell, heat, shock, or water near the problem. Otherwise it's safe to answer the questions below.
The likely readout
Most likely cause
Ground or arc fault — a GFCI/AFCI breaker is detecting leakage or arcing and doing its job; this is not an overload
Ranked by fit to your answers
1
Ground or arc fault — a GFCI/AFCI breaker is detecting leakage or arcing and doing its job; this is not an overload
82
2
Overload — the continuous load is above what the breaker allows (about 80% of its rating), so it heats up and trips
55
SAFE NEXT CHECKGFCI and AFCI breakers trip on leakage and arcing, not just overload. Unplug loads one at a time to find the source; persistent trips with nothing connected point to a wiring fault to be checked by an electrician.
Where to stop. Resetting a breaker once is homeowner-safe. A breaker that keeps tripping is protecting against a real fault or overload — do not repeatedly reset it, and never tape, wedge, or oversize it. Opening the panel and any wiring repair is a licensed electrician's job. This is general information, not a quote and not a substitute for a licensed electrician.
Try the safe next check above. If it doesn't resolve it, or would mean working on wiring or a panel, stop and call a licensed electrician — don't replace parts on a guess. Open the full tool to change any answer for your exact situation, or try a related check below.
Electrical Fault Check provides general diagnostic information only. It is not professional advice, not a quote, and not a substitute for a licensed electrician. Do not work on live wiring. If you see smoke, sparks, burning smell, heat, shock, water exposure, or repeated tripping, stop using the circuit and contact a licensed electrician or emergency services as appropriate.