Why Is My Voltage Not Right After My Circuit Breaker Tripped Off?
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How to Restore an Electric Circuit: Check the voltage of both legs of power to ground, or test receptacle outlets and devices in the home. If it is found that the voltage is still not correct you may need to call a qualified electrical contractor to make a few tests to identify the problem and make the necessary repairs. |
Understanding Circuit Breakers and Home Electrical Circuits
Electrical Question: A circuit breaker tripped off and now any circuit I turn has low power.
- My electrical question is:
- I have a pole building that draws power from my home. I tripped a circuit breaker this morning and now any circuit I turn on drops power to around 70 to 40 volts and the opposite lug jumps to 180 volts to 200 volts.
- Could it be a bad main or the service lines from the house to the shed?
- I have checked all outlets and lights and nothing is burnt or wired wrong that I can tell.
- Every thing in the pole barn is in conduit and all was working just fine before the outside outlet shorted.
- The electrical is only 5 years old and I have a square D box in both the house and pole barn.
Please help!
Thanks,
John
Additional Comments: Great information! I have wired several homes and out buildings over the years with no problems, but can still learn from this website!
Background: John, a Handyman from Colfax, Wisconsin.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question John.
How to Restore an Electric Circuit
Application: Testing Electrical Wiring
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch 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.
Take these steps to Help Identify Circuit Problems and Restore Electrical Power to the Home
- First you need to find out why the circuit breaker tripped off and either remove or repair the fault.
- Is there damage to the electrical panel or buss?
- If no damage has been found then reset the circuit breaker
- Turn the circuit breaker all the way into the OFF position, and then turn it back ON.
- Check the voltage of both legs of power to ground, or test receptacle outlets and devices in the home.
- If it is found that the voltage is still not correct you may need to call a qualified electrical contractor to make a few tests to identify the problem and make the necessary repairs.
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