Why Circuit Breakers Commonly Trip and What to Do About It
Did you know? Studies show that almost a quarter of all electrical problems in the United States is lost due to circuit breaker tripping.
If you’re getting unexpected electricity bills or are getting frequent visits from fire services where you live, the problem might be with the circuit breaker rather than due to your negligence.
Understanding why circuit breakers trip and what to do about it can prevent you from incurring unnecessary repair costs in the long run.
Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
Electrical Overload
An overloaded circuit can happen if you are using too many devices in a circuit, if one of the devices draws too much power, or if the wires in the circuit are too small to handle the amount of electricity flowing through them.
When an electrical overload occurs, the circuit breaker trips and interrupts the flow of electricity.
If you experience an electrical overload, you should first disconnect any appliances or electronics that may be causing the problem. Once you have done that, you can reset your circuit breaker or replace any blown fuses.
Short Circuit
A circuit breaker trips when the current in the circuit becomes too high where the current is able to bypass the normal path through the circuit. This can happen if a wire becomes loose and touches another wire, or if a piece of metal falls across two wires.
If you have a short circuit, the first thing you want to do is identify where the short is. Once you have found the short, you need to disconnect the power source. Once the power source has come to an end, you can start to repair the circuit by soldering the broken wires back together.
Ground Fault
A ground fault is an electrical current that flows along an unintended path. This current may flow through the ground, through a person, or through damaged insulation. This can cause a circuit breaker to trip, as it is designed to do when it detects an electrical current that is not flowing in the proper path.
A ground fault may occur when a live wire comes into contact with a ground, such as a metal conduit or a water pipe. It may also occur when insulation a broken, allowing the current to flow through the ground instead of through the wire.
If a ground fault occurs, it is important to check everyone in the area is safe and that there is no further risk of electrical shock. First, try to determine where the ground fault originated, you can turn it off to prevent further damage.
If you cannot identify the source of the problem, call a licensed electrician to help repair the issue including White Electric. In the meantime, avoid using any electrical appliances or outlets in the affected area.
Regularly Inspect Your Circuit Breakers
If you want to avoid costly repairs and electrical emergencies, it’s important to inspect your circuit breakers. Check for signs of wear and tear, and make sure all connections are tight.
If you have any concerns, contact a licensed electrician as safety should be prioritized over that cost.
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