FAQs

You go to connect a device in your outlet or to turn on a switch only to find that there is no power. Once again, your breaker has tripped. You can reset the breaker each time, or you can fix it permanently. Let’s Clear this up so you can fix this for good!

These are the top 3 reasons why your breaker keeps tripping: Circuit Overload, Short Circuit and Ground Fault.

In order to solve your home’s electrical issues, it’s important to know the differences between a ground fault, a short circuit and a circuit overload.

WHAT IS A CIRCUIT OVERLOAD? A circuit can become over-burdened when an electrical wire/circuit gets more amperage than it’s designed to deal with or might be brought about by corroded or loose connectors or wires. Assuming that a circuit trips since it has been overloaded, you can remove something from the circuit and use another circuit for the electrical power instead. To assist with figuring out what caused the issue, turn off everything on the circuit prior to resetting the breaker. After it’s reset and rested for a couple of moments, turn switches on or reconnect devices, to figure out what might have caused the circuit to overload. If the problem persists, you may need to install a dedicated circuit for that area of your home.

WHAT IS A SHORT CIRCUIT? A short out happens when an active or hot electrical wire comes in contact with a neutral wire, resulting in a excessive current that over-burdens the circuit. A short out will always cause a breaker trip or a blown fuse. It may also cause flashes, popping sounds, or smoke. It can also be brought about by loose connections, slipped wire, or damage caused by small animals chewing on the wire. A short out can be brought about by a defective electrical switch, fixture, plug or appliance.

You can attempt to locate the short circuit yourself or enlist the service of an electrician. Short circuits can be risky because of excessive heat generated that can be a fire hazard, so tread carefully and seek professional help if you can’t locate the source of the issue yourself.

WHAT IS A GROUND FAULT? A ground fault can happen when a hot or active wire connects with the ground wire, a grounded part of the junction box, or a grounded region of an appliance (Hot wires are typically black, neutral wires are generally white, and ground wires are normally green). Whenever contact is made between a hot and ground wire, an excessive measure of current go through the electrical switch which can make it trip.

Most regions in a home are required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) to be safeguarded by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) to prevent electrical shocks and fires, including kitchens, restrooms, carports, incomplete storm cellars, and outside regions. Ground faults generally happen when gear is defective and damaged and can present risk since live electrical parts may not be satisfactorily safeguarded from accidental contact. Remember that circuit breakers and wires are safety devices for our assurance when electrical breakdowns happen. It is understandably frustrating when a fuse blows or a breaker trips, but this occurs to protect us and our property. While investigating or managing home electrical fixes, safety should always be first.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A CIRCUIT BREAKER HAS TRIPPED? Assuming the power has gone off in a specific region of your home instead of the entire house, the issue might be a tripped circuit breaker. Electrical circuits of your house are safeguarded by either fuses or circuit breakers. All homeowners should know where the fuse box and electrical panel are located, and the opening must be easily accessible and not blocked by anything. Take the time to label each circuit and breaker along with the area it controls. This will save you time and frustration on the off chance that a circuit or breaker trips again. In the event that there are two breakers or wires for one region, for example, the kitchen, take more time to detail what part of the kitchen each one of the two switches controls. For instance, you could mark one switch “kitchen apparatuses” and the other switch “kitchen counter outlets” or different assignments as fitting.

If a circuit breaker trips because it has exceeded its maximum amperage, the switch handle will have moved between the on and off position and may show a red area alerting you that it has tripped. Depending on your electrical panel, sometimes the “trip” causes only a slight movement of the handle, and you’ll have to look closely at the switches to discern which one has tripped.

HOW DO YOU RESET A TRIPPED CIRCUIT BREAKER? To reset a stumbled electrical switch, switch off the breaker by moving the switch or handle to the off position, and afterward turn it back on. Be cautious when touching the breaker. It is best to stand at a distance in case sparks are generated when moving the breaker. Keep Safety goggles, flashlight and batteries near the panel to light the area in the event of a power outage. Allow the circuit breaker to rest for a moment prior to switching on or plugging anything in to figure out what could have over-burdened the circuit or caused the trip.

Do not attempt to repair anything until you are certain it is safe to do so. Follow these electrical safety tips from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), including: Never fix electrical equipment except if qualified and approved. Have a certified electrical technician review electrical gear that has gotten wet prior to energizing it. In the event that you are working in a damp area, inspect all electrical cords and equipment to guarantee they are in good condition and safe to work with. Utilize a ground issue circuit interrupter (GFCI). Remember to use extreme caution when dealing with any electrical issue. When your home’s electrical system malfunctions, you need guidance from a knowledgeable and trustworthy electrician. Martin’s Electrical and Lighting Company always guarantees quality workmanship!