It seems that it has not even been established that there is an overload in the form of a very short pulse. If I were diagnosing this problem without a logging device, I would just get another circuit breaker put it in line. Actually, I would just use an automotive fuse in a hacked line cord duct taped to a junk 2x4 and watch it like a hawk. If you are drawing 2.8 amps and blowing a 15 amp breaker without seeing anything on the meter, it is a pretty massive overload like 40 amps. If a little fuse doesn't blow, I would take a good hard look at the breaker. I have found that a 15 amp breaker can take 25 amps for several (tens) of seconds before it trips.