How Can I Discover What is Tripping Off my Circuit Breaker?
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How can I find out what is tripping a circuit breaker? How to Identify an Electrical Problem and Circuit Failure. © By: Dave Rongey |
Tripping Circuit Breaker Problem
Electrical Question: How can I find out what is tripping a circuit breaker?
- When I reset the circuit breaker it works for a while but then it trips off again.
Thank you.
Additional Comments: I love the website. It already has helped me.
Background: John who is a Homeowner from Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical troubleshooting question John.
How to Identify an Electrical Problem and Circuit Failure
Application: Testing Electrical Circuit Wiring.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical project is best performed by a Licensed Electrician or Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools and Voltage Tester or Continuity Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on experience and level of problem solving skills.
Precaution: Testing live wires is dangerous and should be done by an experienced individual only. Testing using a continuity tester should only be made after the circuit has been identified and turned OFF and Tagged.
Guide to Lost Power and Electrical Circuit Failure
Use this Method to Discover Electrical Circuit Problems
- Identify What Devices are on the Problem Circuit
- Turn the circuit breaker off and make a list of everything that is now without power.
- Record the electrical load requirements of each device connected to the circuit.
- Add up the total connected load to see if the amount exceeds the size of the circuit breaker.
- If the total connected load is higher than the circuit rating then it may be necessary to to have an additional circuit installed or move a device that is connected to the circuit and relocate it to a different location which is served by a different circuit.
- Evaluate the Circuit
- If the total connected load is under the size of the circuit breaker then unplug, disconnect or turn off all of the devices on the list.
- Visually inspect each device for any possible problems.
- If a problem is found with a device then have it repaired.
- Turn the circuit back on and begin adding each device one at a time allowing time for the devices to power up.
- Repair the Circuit
- If the circuit breaker trips off then check all the items that are connected to the circuit for possible problems.
- Outlets and Switches – remove the device and look for visible signs of burnt wiring, burnt wiring splices or a damaged device.
- Repair or replace the burnt wiring and the outlet or switch. Look for these signs of damage and have them repaired right away.
IMPORTANT
Electrical circuit failures are best identified and repaired by a professional licensed electrical contractor who can identify the problem quickly and safely restore to electricity for your home.
More about Troubleshooting Electrical Problems and Lost Power
How to Identify Lost Power
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.
More about Troubleshooting Electrical Circuit Wiring
Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Wiring
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.
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