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
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How to Locate the Cause of a Tripping GFCI Circuit
Hi Al, One of the easiest ways to isolate the cause of a Tripping GFCI Circuit is to clear the circuit by disconnecting all of the devices that are connected to the GFCI Circuit. The process involves disconnecting all of the devices, and then reconnect the devices one at a time until the device that is causing the problem has been identified. The problem device can then be examined and tested to identify the specific fault and then repairs may be applied as needed.
I hope this helps you,
Dave
What Causes a GFCI Breaker to Keep Tripping?
I have a GFCI Breaker that keeps tripping. I replaced it with a new one but the condition still persists. There are several things on this circuit that shouldn’t cause it to trip, via a small UPS system. They are: TV, Modem, Router, and DVD Player. Is there a way to test the GFCI or panel for fault continuity? Thank you.
Hi Dennis,
To help locate the problem the wiring to the ceiling fan should be disconnected to see if there is now a permanent fault or internal damage with the ceiling fan. If the circuit breaker still trips off then a wall switch for the ceiling fan may be faulty, such as a light dimmer, or fan speed control.
I hope this helps,
Dave
While installing a ceiling fan I shorted the wires. although I just blew the fuse, the breaker has a dead line that caused tripping. We’ve disconnected all circuits and switches. All other outlets and circuits are working. I can’t find the dead line! The breaker tested good.
Lost Power from a Tripped Circuit and Voltage Feedback
Hi Robert,
From what you have described the problem is not the light switch. It sounds like the circuit is experiencing a feedback. This means that either one portion of the electrical circuit or the electrical service may have lost power. To locate the source of the problem a variety of inspections and voltage tests will need to be performed by a qualified electrician who is experienced with troubleshooting.
Dave
Tripped Circuit Breaker for Room Lights
A breaker was being tripped, so I traced it back to the living room lights. When the light switch is turned off power is still coming thru and lights are flickering. Do I just replace the light switch as the next possible fix?
Josie,
The main electrical service panel may have a deteriorating condition which is affecting half of the power and should be checked by an electrician as soon as possible.
Dave
WHY DOES ONLY HALF OF MY ELECTRIC GO OUT IN THE OUT ? I SWITCH THE CIRCUT BREAKER BACK ON IT STAYS ON FOR A LITTLE WHILE THEN IT GOES OFF AGAIN. I NOTICED THIS WHEN IT RAINS. THANKS JOSIE
Absolutely Roger,
And the 1500 watts that Roger has mentioned is from a simple calculation of Volts times Amps.
So in this case 115 x 15 equals 1725 watts.
When looking at the label on most kitchen appliances you will see the Volts and Watts.
This is why two 20 amp 120 volt circuits are required for small appliances at kitchen counter areas.
Dave
This sounds like an overload problem, the reason is that the breaker basically is taking time to warm up indicating to me that the overload is minimal.
Try just disconnecting 1 item and see if it stops the tripping, then do another appliance etc. I am guessing that the circuit is 115v 15A therefore your limit is going to be about 1700w, some skillets pull 1500 on their own leaving not a lot for someting else.