Tripping Breaker - Tripping Circuit Breaker Tips

Breaker trips are often caused by overloaded circuits. Overload is the main reason for breaker tripping.

These are typical examples of the electrical overload and how to deal with it:

- One of our 15 amp breakers keeps tripping. The breaker feeds: fridge, washer, master bedroom, bathroom, TV, lights in the kitchen, corridor, laundry room and porch. It was always OK. But recently the breaker started tripping. What could be a cause?

- There are two girls in the family. They keep tripping the breaker every morning when they plug in both hair dryers. It blows the breaker and of course they blame me, their father. Should I replace the 15 Amp breaker with the 20 Amp one? (NO. Please don't do that. Keep reading)

- Microwave oven trips the circuit breaker every second day. Especially when I use a toaster, electric kettle or a coffee maker at the same time.

These three are perfect indicators of overloading and excessive current running through the wires that causes a circuit breaker to trip. The breaker is specifically designed to do exactly that. It opens the circuit and protects the wires from overheating and burning.

The solution of the problem is to run an extra line from the panel. And to split the overloaded circuit in two. This will cut the load in half. Both the old line and the newly installed one will now carry only half of the original load. Problem Solved! This is the best but more expensive way to deal with the overload.

Another solution is using extension cords and plugs connected to other lines and breakers to spread the original load among them. This option is not convenient and could be considered only as a temporary one.

Short circuit is the second most common reason for breaker tripping

Second common cause of breaker tripping is a short circuit. It usually happens during or after something has been done in the house, like home repair, light installation, plug change, wiring upgrade or line extension. Or damaged during renovation.

- The electrical in the house was fine until carpet was installed a couple of days ago. The circuit breaker flipped. It trips again immediately after each attempt to turn it back on.

- I recently put drywall up in the basement. After that two breakers supplying power to basement lights and plugs have tripped and won't reset. They actually sparked each time I tried to reset them. Probable causes - either a wire had been cut, or a nail or screw ran through the wire. Call an electrician and expect substantial damage to the recently completed work.

- A fridge that I just bough has tripped the breaker right after I plugged it into an outlet. I was wandering if the plug or the fridge may be causing the problem? Using an extension cord plug the fridge into a wall outlet connected to another breaker. If the fridge starts and works properly for 15 minutes, go to point a) below. If another breaker instantly shuts the power off, the problem is with the fridge. Examine the cord carefully. Plug in again. If different breakers keep tripping. Buy a new fridge or call an appliance repair shop.

a) The fridge has tripped first wall plug but it works fine with extension cord plugged into another one. The reason is inside the first wall outlet. Turn off the breaker to that line, open the plug and look for the obvious signs like loose screws, damaged insulation, wires touching each other or the metal box. Tighten screws holding wires in place and put everything back. Turn the breaker on and plug in the fridge. If the problem persists, call an electrician.

- My favorite antique table lamp causes power outage each time I plug it in. What's the problem? If while using different wall plugs the lamp has tripped two or more different breakers, then the problem is within the lamp. Inspect its cord for damage or a melted appearance. Check the insulation on the wires to make sure it is not cracked and there is no touching of wires together. Or take it to a repair shop.

Less common problem could happen when a circuit breaker itself has gone bad. It needs to be replaced. Ask a licensed electrician to do that.

Special purpose breakers like GFCI and AFCI are those with a button. These are more sensitive and complicated. Should you have a problem with one of them, your best bet is to call an electrician.

Keywords: Tripping Circuit Breaker, Electrical Overload, Electrical Short circuit

This article has been viewed 22 time(s).

It is a violation of our terms and conditions for writers to submit material which they did not write and claim it as their own. If this article infringes on your copyrights, you MUST either call us at 706-866-2295 or send proof of infringement along with the offending article's title, URL, and writer name to

IdeaMarketers.com
Attn: Marnie Pehrson - Copyright Concern
514 Old Hickory Ln
Ringgold GA 30736 USA
If you email us or use our problem submission form, we CANNOT guarantee we'll receive your notice!

Source: http://www.ideamarketers.com/?articleid=3104021

aspirin 21 jump street the three stooges hungergames bagpipes olympics easter