ask the electrician
Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Wiring and Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable


What Causes Circuit Breakers to Trip Off


How to Identify the Cause of a Tripping Circuit Breaker

© By:


Electrical Wiring Video



Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More

Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!



Learn more with my Home Electrical Video Course:

Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

How to Identify the Cause of a Tripping Circuit Breaker
Electrical Question: I have one circuit breaker that keeps tripping off.

This electrical question came from: Robert, a Handyman from Marlton, New Jersey

See more about Home Wiring for New Jersey

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Robert.

Solving the Problem of a Tripping Circuit Breaker

Application: Tripping Circuit Breaker.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. This electrical project is best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Why Circuit Breakers Trip Off
Robert, circuit breakers rarely go bad and the majority of the time a tripping circuit breaker is due to a fault within the circuit or a problem with a device or equipment that is connected to the circuit.
Testing Electrical Circuits

RESOURCES

[ad#block2]Using Electrical Testers
digital-tester

Understanding Electrical Testers

When working on home electrical wiring using voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
Types of Electrical Testers
Using Electrical Testers

You identified your project to be about Troubleshooting, so you might find this information useful:

Repair Electrical Wiring
Troubleshooting

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.

Circuit Wiring
Circuit Wiring

Electrical Circuit Wiring

This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

Electrical Panel Circuit Listing

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:


electrical wiring book

A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical 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.

More articles about Testing Electrical Circuit and Home Electrical Wiring:

« Previous Next »

Understanding Light Switch Wiring

Replacing an Electrical Outlet