Circuit Breaker Information

My breaker wont reset

It is relatively uncommon for a circuit breaker on a standard electrical system to trip due to a simple overload, such as a vacuum cleaner and a space heater plugged into a 15-amp circuit simultaneously. Breakers can handle short periods of overloading without tripping.

A more frequent cause of a tripped breaker is a direct short circuit. Therefore, it is crucial that when a breaker trips, you avoid repeatedly resetting it until the underlying cause has been investigated.

A persistent short circuit can generate sparks near combustible materials, potentially leading to an unseen fire.

Appliance breakers

Appliance breakers, such as those for ovens, dryers, and air conditioners, are typically double-pole breakers. Determining if they have tripped correctly can sometimes be difficult due to their interconnected nature.

Air conditioner circuits might appear to reset but then trip again after a short period. Dryer circuits, which are often wired with aluminum, are more commonly subject to loose connections at the outlet, often exhibiting signs of arcing.

Issues with these appliance circuits, particularly loose aluminum connections, tend to result in power outage conditions rather than immediate short circuits.

Different Types of Circuit Breakers

Not long ago, most circuit breakers were quite similar, though some exhibited greater sensitivity than others. For instance, Square D breakers were known to trip cleanly on a dead short, often without a visible spark, whereas FPE (Federal Pacific Electric) breakers have a concerning tendency not to trip at all when a short circuit occurs. (In most cases, FPE brand breakers are required to be replaced before you sell your home!) In the ongoing effort to enhance electrical safety, different types of breakers have been introduced, incorporating electronic circuitry with microprocessors and sophisticated software to manage their operation.

GFCI and AFCI type circuit breakers incorporate a test button. This test allows you to verify that the internal circuitry is functioning correctly. If the breaker does not trip when this button is pressed, it needs to be replaced.

If this type of breaker has tripped and will not reset, the first step a qualified electrician should take is to disconnect the wiring from the breaker. This is to verify that the breaker itself is not defective and that it will reset and power is present at its terminals.

Electrical Panel Safety Tips

The first step in troubleshooting a power outage is to check the circuit breaker panel(s). If the panel is located indoors, it's fairly easy to check your breakers. However, with an outdoor panel, you're always taking a chance, whether it's black widow spiders or an internal breaker cover that's not on correctly. This is the point where you decide if it's worth it to do it yourself. For example;

In underground electrical installations, a misaligned service panel and meter configuration can often be attributed to ground settling, causing the incoming service cable to exert downward pressure on the meter housing.

This situation can be hazardous, as the tension on the wires can lead to them rubbing against internal structures. Over time, this friction can result in a short circuit on the main service lines, which require significant current to trip their protective devices.

I have personally witnessed meter housings emitting sparks like fireworks when these stressed conductors make contact with the meter frame.

If the meter is visibly being pulled down, exercise extreme caution and have a professional inspect and service it without delay.

When and How to Replace a Circuit Breaker

If your circuit breakers show visible signs of corrosion or rust, it is imperative to replace them. Degraded breakers may fail to trip during an overcurrent event, potentially leading to the overheating and melting of wire insulation, which can create an immediate fire hazard under certain conditions.

It is generally recommended to exercise your circuit breakers annually by fully switching each one off and then back on individually. This practice can help identify breakers that are malfunctioning or feel loose. Any such breakers should be replaced, as they are relatively inexpensive depending on the brand.

However, this maintenance should not be performed without proper safety precautions. Even a qualified electrician should only undertake this task if the electrical panel has a separate disconnect that allows for the complete shut-off of power to the panel, thereby mitigating the risk of electrical shock or burn.

Replacing a breaker is a straightforward process, but unless you can totally shut off the power, this is better left to an electrician.

Identifying and Managing Overloaded Circuits

In older homes, it is not uncommon to find multiple outlets and lights connected to a single circuit where electrical codes would now require several. These residences may have undergone multiple electrical modifications or additions over time without a corresponding upgrade to the original service panel to accommodate the increased load.

If you find that your circuit breakers are frequently tripping, it is advisable to consult a qualified electrician to assess the situation. They can determine whether the existing service panel is adequate for your current electrical load or if an upgrade is warranted.