One sure indication that you have an electrical overload situation is when a circuit breaker trips when you turn-on a light or some other appliance. Even though circuit breakers are electrical safety devices, you probably aren't thinking about that when the power is suddenly turned off.
For most of us, this is a bothersome thing to deal with. On the other hand, the fact that the circuit breaker has tripped is a signal to you that there is an electrical malfunction somewhere. A tripped circuit breaker , or blown fuse, is a silent alarm that lets you know that you have an overloaded circuit somewhere that needs your attention.
You are likely to find your home's circuit breaker panel close to entry point for your electrical service, or power lines. Circuit breaker panels consist of two banks of circuit breakers that provide separate protection for the building's electrical circuits. Because electrical current demand, or load, varies according to the intended use of an particular circuit, circuit breakers will vary in size and current rating.
Newer electrical panels may have Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) circuit breakers that protect certain circuits from sudden overloads. Ground Fault Interrupt Circuit are now required for electrical circuits that serve kitchen and bathroom circuits where a sudden electrical short circuit has a greater possibility of happening. If you don't already have GFIC breakers installed, you should contact the local building code enforcement office for guidance on installing them.
Circuit breakers trip whenever the amount of electrical current flowing through them exceeds its design limits. The only working parts of a circuit breaker are a spring, a set of contacts and a bi-metallic strip. The bi-metal strip will hold the contacts together as long as the flow of electrical current remains within safe levels. As long as the strip doesn't bend the contacts will remain closed. The flow of electrical current is just interrupted when the bi-metal strip becomes so hot that it bends and the spring pulls the contacts apart.
Without the intense flow of current, the bi-metal strip cools and resumes its curved form. You can now reset the circuit breaker and return power to the circuit. There are two indications of a tripped breaker: one is the toggle's location and the second is a red indicator flag showing in a small window on the breaker.
Electrical protective devices, such as circuit breakers and GFIs are now required by the National Electric Code (NEC) and building codes for all structures. These devices come with Test and Reset buttons that permit you to verify that the devices are working properly.
Circuit breakers have saved countless numbers of lives and prevented fires in as many homes and buildings. They should never be bypassed. Circuit breakers are designed to rigid safety specifications and rigorously tested for proper working. If, however, a circuit breaker should fail, you can replace it yourself following sound electrical safety precautions.
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Hunter May is a freelance writer with years of home ownership, property management and home repair article writing experience. His articles are featured at PracticalRepairs.com and are focused on how anyone can make their own Practical Home Repairs. Looking for Home Repair Tips? Whatever your home repair problem is your can discover the best home repair tips at www.practicalrepairs.com
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