Thanks for the info above. I looked at the breaker, and it says "COMBINATION: Type AFCI, Type CHAF" whatever that means. It does have that funky yellow TEST button on it, though.
The washer is plugged into an outlet that was dedicated for our modem, but we had to move the modem to give better wireless coverage to the rest of the house. We plugged in the washer to that outlet, and nothing else is plugged in there. The breaker is still tripped, even now, and the freezer is still on. I just got up and checked the dining room light to see if it was still on, to see if the breakers that continually tripped with the washer and with the vacuum might be on the same one, and they are not, because even though the breaker is tripped, the dining room light is still working.
On a circuit that has an AFCI, just a nick on the conductor (wire) where an electrician has stripped the instalation to make a connection to a receptical or switch can cause a AFCI to trip.
But it's more likely there's an issue with your washer/dryer that's causing the AFCI breaker to trip.
AFCI aren't perfected yet, they are close to it though. When AFCI first came out they were only used in sleeping areas. A blender that you use in your kitchen would cause the original AFCI to trip but who would use a blender in their bedroom ?
Since your home is only three years old, it's likely your house wiring is only to the minium of the NEC. Because of the high cost of copper today, to many electricians are cutting corners and trying to save a buck and are just meeting the minium of the code. If you find any 14 ga. wiring in your service or sub panel, it was one of those electricians who's just going with the minium of the code.
Breakers do fail and go bad.
I find it interesting that the electrician used a SWD breaker. Nothing wrong with that but a SWD rated breaker is a light circuit switching breaker.
Call a qualified electrician is my suggestion who specialises in home wiring. Industrial and commercial electricians have little knowledge and experiance with AFCI.
For you electricians out there, NEMA has taken on the AFCI trouible shooting issue. Go to their website and look for the NEMA's eiXtra: January 10, 2012
Troubleshooting Tips for AFCI Installationsby Gerard Winstanley, NEMA
Basic wiring practices for AFCI-protected circuits
>" Unlike a conventional circuit breaker, which detects overloads and short circuits, an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) uses advanced electronic technology to sense different arcing conditions. This device weeds out the harmful arc characteristics from the “normal” arcs that occur during the normal operation of loads and other wiring devices. Common household items, such as a motor-driven vacuum cleaner or a furnace motor, naturally create arcs when they operate—each of which is considered a normal arc (click here to see Fig. 1).
Another example is the arc that may occur when a light switch is turned off. Dangerous arc faults, however, may result from improper installation, damaged wiring, overheated or stressed electrical cords, worn electrical insulation, wires and/or cords in contact with vibrating metal, damaged electrical appliances, and more. This type of arc condition creates high-intensity heat, which may exceed 10,000°F and result in burning particles that can easily ignite surrounding material, such as wood framing or insulation.
AFCIs are designed to recognize arc faults when they occur and automatically shut the circuit down before it becomes a fire hazard. Manufacturers of AFCIs test for hundreds of possible operating conditions, designing each AFCI to constantly discern between normal and dangerous arcs.
Due to the proven effectiveness of AFCIs, it’s important electricians follow proper wiring practices to help minimize troubleshooting efforts. The following sections highlight some of the best practices for electrical installation projects, but especially those performed on circuits that will be protected by AFCIs. Appropriate steps to successfully troubleshoot a potential wiring problem that will cause the AFCI to trip are also covered.
Other related information:
•Proper Tools and Work Practices
•Installation and Troubleshooting Tips
•AFCIs and the NEC ..."<