A circuit breaker is a switching device that controls and protects the power system and electrical devices attached to it. It can be both automatic and manual. The breaker trips when it cannot handle the amount of electricity flowing through it or cannot handle the excess current load. However, the electricity flow shuts off to keep circuits from overheating and prevent electrical fires or other possible damage. Without this system, house fires could have been quite a frequent occurrence. So, if your circuit breaker trips frequently, call professional electrical contractors in Toronto and get the issue checked adequately by a pro.
Reasons for Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Have you ever experienced a continuously tripping circuit breaker? If yes, you might be aware of how annoying it can be. Constant tripping can leave you with no electricity with some outlets or even the entire home. However, you are in the dark, unsure about the cause.
Providing insight on the issue, this piece of writing will explain why your breaker keeps tripping.
How will you learn that your circuit breaker has tripped? If any of your appliances or lights abruptly stop working, it is often due to a tripped circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel.
What is a breaker up to when it trips? Yes! A breaker trip is eventually a positive thing. Circuit breakers are purposely designed to trip when there is excess electrical current. This provision shuts off the current to keep your electrical circuits from overheating and prevent electrical fires. However, this device keeps your house and family safe.
You will see a spring in a circuit breaker hooked over a tiny piece of metal, a fusible alloy that melts. Each breaker in the electrical panel is linked to an electric wire that goes through your house, connecting to power plugs and lighting. Through this fusible metal, the electricity flows all through your house. If the connected wire is at risk of overheating, that small metal piece starts melting. However, the spring gets stretched and pulls the switch, shutting down the particular circuit. You can get the breaker reset once the metal cools down.
A standard fuse functions in the same way. But, unlike a spring, the meltable metal is the bridge. The bridge melts down and breaks the connection when the fuse gets overheated. Nonetheless, a fuse needs to be replaced every time there is a fault, whereas you can reset a circuit breaker at its position.
How will you figure out your breaker tripped? Check your service panel. Generally, circuit breakers are aligned in straight rows, all in an “on” position. So, if the breaker trips, the switch will move to the middle or in the “off” position. It is easy to determine which breaker has tripped since it will not be in line with other breakers in the row.
What initial steps to take when a breaker trips? First, switch off and unplug all the lights and devices due to the tripped breaker. Then turn it off and back to the “on” position.
Why does a circuit breaker trip? The breaker usually trips due to any electrical fault that can damage the circuit. The tripping is caused due to an overloaded circuit, a power surge, or imperfect or damaged electric components. Here are the four key issues that cause breaker tripping.
- Overloaded Circuit – When electricity usage exceeds the actual circuit’s capacity, it gets overloaded. Apart from the breaker tripping, you can also get warning signs like your lights dimming when switching on additional devices attached to the same circuit. You can fix this problem by disconnecting devices or parting them to an alternative circuit. This way, you will distribute the load within alternative circuits. Huge electric appliances require individual dedicated circuits. However, change your electrical panel to ensure it stays safe to supply all your electrical devices.
Short Circuit – Short circuits are caused by wiring issues caused by either device plugged into the electrical circuit or the circuit itself. Hard Short is the second type of short circuit. It occurs when the white neutral wire contacts the electric-powered black wire. Keep monitoring the outlets of your electrical appliances. See if you can find any sign of damage, like a frayed or scorching power cord. Call the electric company Toronto for a safety inspection once a year. If your circuit breaker keeps tripping even after you reset it, it indicates a short circuit. However, admit defeat and stop your attempts to reset the breaker. Let a pro investigate and fix the issue.- Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter – This advanced circuit breaker detects power fluctuations caused by unsafe sparks between electrical contact points. Besides, it often happens due to poor or loose connections. An arc fault circuit interrupter needs a few seconds to act by tripping. However, it is more reliable than those standard breakers to keep your house and family safe. If your AFCI breaker is constantly going off, do not overlook it, it is the sign of an electrical issue that needs experts’ attention.
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter – This is an electrical safety device that fights off short circuits caused by hot wires getting into contact with a ground wire, a wooden frame, or a metal wall box. It can cause deadly electric shock and is extremely dangerous when they come into contact with liquids in bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor spaces. However, the Canadian Electrical Code compels a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter installation at every outlet close to a water source. If you experience an issue with the ground fault in your electrical system, the circuit breaker could be faulty and could trip again immediately after it is reset.
Keep your home safe with a pro.
If you experience problems with breaker trips, opt for the best “licensed electrical contractors near me” search and reach out to a pro in your locale for an electrical panel check, electrical service upgrade, and expert repair. Electrical processes are risky for a DIY approach. However, keep your home power safe with a pro.
