Electrical Problem with Two Circuits from the Same Phase

How to Identify and Solve Electrical Circuit Problems

Double Circuit Feed Needs Identification and Correction
Electrical Question: Why does my electric circuit breaker keep tripping off?

• I have a GFCI outlet that is functioning, but the reset button is tripped.
• When I try to reset it just keeps popping out, but the receptacle continues to function.
• I plugged a light into the receptacle and cycled through every breaker one by one, but the light never went out.
• I turned off the main to the breaker and the light went out.
• I removed the sheet rock from a small area on the backing wall to see the receptacle enclosure and wiring.
• There are two Romex cables going into the receptacle box.
• I am guessing that when this was originally wired in, that the electrician terminated two line side cables to this receptacle and I would need to figure out which two breakers to flip at the same time to cut the power. Could this be the issue or something else entirely?

This electrical question came from: Frank, from Dallas, Texas.

Dave The Electrician’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Frank.

How to Identify and Solve Electrical Circuit Problems

Identifying A Double Electrical Circuit Feed
Frank, yes – it is not correct, but it is very possible to feed one device with two circuits, and if they are both fed from the same phase or bus then it may go unnoticed.

How to Solve the Circuit Wiring Problem

• Now that you have discovered this, here is one way to correct it.
  • Plug in your drop light into the GFCI outlet and make sure the light switch is on.
  • At the main panel turn off all of the circuit breakers, then one by one turn each circuit breaker back on until you see the drop light go on.
  • Note which circuit breaker it is, then turn it off and continue this process until you identify the next circuit breaker that feeds power to the outlet.
  • Once this is done you can turn the two identified circuit breakers off and turn the rest of the home circuits back on.
  • The next task would be to remove the GFI outlet and disconnect one set of wires that has been identified as a double circuit feed.
  • This should now allow your GFCI receptacle to function and test properly.

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