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Electrical Wire and Cable


How to Fix a Overloaded Circuit Breaker Problem


If too many things being used at the same time one of the breakers trips off. Can I change the breaker to a higher amperage, will this resolve my problem?



Home Electrical Wiring Video

Hooking Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
for Backup Power

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Tripping Breaker Problem
Electrical Question: If too many things are being used at the same time one of the breakers trips off. Can I change the breaker to a higher amperage, will this resolve my problem?

If I have too many gadgets or lights being used at the same time one of the breakers trip every time. Could I change that particular breaker to a higher amperage or install a sub-panel – will this resolve my problem? Any other solutions or advice greatly appreciated

This electrical wiring question came from Sharad, a Student in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Additional Comments: So far good and easy

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Sharad.

How to Fix Tripping Breaker Problem

Application: Tripping Breaker a Main Panel.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical work is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Main Panel, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Main Panel should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Scottsdale, Arizona. A permit and inspections may also be required.

Solution to a Tripping Circuit Breaker Problem

This electrical wiring project is about a Tripping Breaker in the Main Panel of a Townhouse.

IMPORTANT:
The amperage rating or size of a circuit breaker should never be increased, because this could overload the electrical wiring and become a potential fire hazard.

If it is possible, some of the devices that are plugged into the outlets on this circuit should be moved to a different outlet circuit. This would reduce the electrical load on this circuit and should prevent the circuit breaker from tripping. In some cases it becomes necessary to split the existing circuit, and install an additional circuit to the area. This way there will be two circuits feeding power to the room instead of one. Installing a sub panel may not be necessary if there is space available to install additional circuits in the existing circuit breaker panel.

More about a Tripping Breaker and Electrical Panels

Home Electrical Codes for Main Service Panels
Electrical Wiring Codes

Home Electrical Sub-Panels
electrical-panel-wiring

Sub-Panel Electrical Wiring for the Home

Electrical sub-panel wiring considerations for the home complete with pictures. Careful planning for your Sub-Panel with immediate and future load considerations will help you understand how to size your Sub-Panel. This information will help as you consider a Sub-Panel and its size.

Home Electrical Circuit Breakers
2-pole-circuit-breaker

Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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