New Lighting Trips Out Circuit Breaker

How to Calculate Lighting Circuit Electrical Load Capacity – Compare the total amount of watts from the original light fixture and what the total watts are of the new light fixtures. In a case where the circuit is overloaded the watts will either need to be reduced or a new circuit will be required.

Electrical Circuit Load Capacities

Electrical Repair Question: We are replacing 2 light fixtures in our bathroom.

• The fixtures we have chosen are 2 3-head Track Lighting.
• They are made by Portfolio, sold at Lowe’s.
• We connected all the wiring, and when we go to turn the power back on from the circuit breaker, it switches back off within a minute of being on.
• Our master bath which is the one we are working on, is connected to the main bath and hallway.
• They are on the same breaker.
• I am a woman so I’m trying to detail this as much as I can, not knowing a thing about home improvements.
• What is going on and what can we try to fix it?

This electrical wiring question came from: Taylor, from Loveland, Colorado

See more about Local Electrical Wiring in Colorado

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Taylor

How to Calculate Lighting Circuit Electrical Load Capacity

• Because the circuit breaker is not tripping of immediately then I do not suspect short in the circuit wiring.
• What I suspect is that the circuit is exceeding its limitation and tripping out because of the additional load of more watts of the new light fixtures.
• It may be helpful to compare the total amount of watts from the original light fixture and what the total watts are of the new light fixtures.
• In a case where the circuit is overloaded the watts will either need to be reduced or a new circuit will be required.
• Be aware that light fixtures that are mounted over the tub or shower areas must be rated for such where the fixtures are required to have tempered glass coverings or enclosures.
• If the light fixture does not state this on the label then they are not approved to be installed over a tub or shower. The concern is to prevent the danger of broken glass and fixture damage from moisture.

Circuit Wiring

Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
Electrical Circuit Breakers

Lighting for the Home

Planning and Installing Home Lighting

• Lighting For The Home
• Lighting Electrical Codes
• How to Install Bathroom Electrical Wiring

Bathroom Electrical Wiring

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, 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 How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

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.

« Wall Outlets and Outlet Strips

Designing Solar Power Systems for the Home »

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

» Electrical Wiring Book «

Home Wiring Guide

STAY CONNECTED

ELECTRICAL NEWS UPDATES