Remember these troubleshooting techniques for your circuit breakers.
Circuit breakers protect your home’s electrical system from overloads and potential fires. However, when a circuit breaker trips or malfunctions, it can disrupt your daily activities. Understanding simple troubleshooting techniques can help you identify and resolve common issues with your circuit breakers. At Professional Electric Inc., we aim to empower Anne Arundel County homeowners with the knowledge to handle minor electrical problems safely and effectively. When in doubt, contact your electrician at Professional Electric Inc. for full assessments and repairs of your circuit breakers.
Identify the Tripped Breaker
The first step in troubleshooting a circuit breaker is to identify which breaker has tripped. Your electrical panel typically has a series of switches, each controlling a different circuit in your home. A tripped breaker is usually positioned in the middle, between the “on” and “off” positions. Once you’ve located the tripped breaker, turn it off entirely before switching it back on. This reset can often resolve temporary issues caused by a power surge or overload.
Inspect for Overloaded Circuits
An overloaded circuit is a common reason for a breaker to trip. This occurs when too many electrical devices are drawing power from the same circuit. To troubleshoot, unplug some devices and reset the breaker. If the breaker stays on, it indicates that the circuit is overloaded. To prevent future overloads, consider redistributing the electrical load by plugging devices into different circuits or having an electrician add new circuits to accommodate your needs.
Check for Short Circuits
Short circuits occur when a hot wire contacts a neutral or ground wire, causing a surge of electricity that trips the breaker. Signs of a short circuit include a burning smell, scorch marks around outlets or the breaker panel, and the breaker tripping immediately after being reset. If you suspect a short circuit, turn off the breaker and inspect the affected outlets and devices for damage. Because short circuits pose a significant fire hazard, contacting a professional electrician is important to diagnose and repair the issue safely.
Look for Ground Faults
Ground faults occur when a hot wire touches a grounded part of the system, such as a metal outlet box or a bare ground wire. This can cause the breaker to trip to prevent electrical shock. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are designed to protect against these incidents, but they can also trip unexpectedly. To troubleshoot, reset the GFCI outlet by pressing the “reset” button. If the breaker trips, it may indicate a persistent ground fault, requiring the expertise of a professional electrician to investigate and resolve.
Examine the Breaker Panel
Sometimes, the issue lies within the breaker panel itself. Loose connections, corrosion, or faulty breakers can cause frequent trips. Inspect the panel for visible signs of damage, such as rust, burn marks, or loose wires. While you can tighten loose screws, more extensive repairs or replacements should be managed by a licensed electrician to guarantee safety and compliance with electrical codes.
Test the Breaker
If you’ve ruled out overloads, short circuits, and ground faults, the breaker might be faulty. To test this, swap the suspected faulty breaker with a similar one in the panel. If the problem moves with the breaker, it clearly indicates that the breaker needs replacement. Always ensure that the replacement breaker matches the specifications of your electrical system to avoid compatibility issues.
Call Professional Electric, Inc. for Electrical Services in Anne Arundel County
Our family-owned and operated business has earned the trust of the Crofton community since 1990. Our team of friendly and expert electricians is licensed, bonded, and insured. From electric panel upgrades to lighting installations, and all other electrical services and repairs in between, you can count on Professional Electric to get it done safely and skillfully. Further, our dedicated electricians are standing by 24/7 for your emergency electrical situations. We proudly serve customers in Annapolis, Severna Park, Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, Bowie, Stevensville, Mitchellville, Millersville, Cape St Claire, the surrounding Southern Maryland area, and beyond. To find out more information on our wide range of electrical services, or to get a free estimate from our master electricians, contact us at our website or call 410‐451‐8085, 301‐390‐7620, or 443‐871‐1492. For more ways to stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.