Tripped circuit breaker

A tripped circuit breaker can be frustrating and inconvenient! Here's what you need to know:

What is a circuit breaker? A circuit breaker is an electrical safety device designed to protect your home or building from electrical overloads and short circuits. It's usually a switch or a panel that controls the flow of electricity to a specific circuit or group of circuits.

What happens when a circuit breaker trips? When a circuit breaker trips, it means that the electrical current flowing through the circuit exceeds the maximum allowed amount, causing the breaker to shut off the power to the circuit. This is usually due to:

  1. Overloading: Too many devices are plugged into the circuit, causing the current to exceed the breaker's capacity.
  2. Short circuit: A fault in the wiring or a device causes a sudden surge of electricity, tripping the breaker.
  3. Grounding issue: A grounding fault in the wiring or a device causes the breaker to trip.

What to do when a circuit breaker trips:

  1. Turn off the power: Switch off the main power supply to the circuit at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
  2. Identify the cause: Check the circuit for overloaded devices, faulty wiring, or other issues that may have caused the breaker to trip.
  3. Reset the breaker: If the issue is resolved, you can try resetting the breaker by flipping the switch or pressing the reset button. If it trips again, there may be a more serious issue.
  4. Call an electrician: If the breaker trips repeatedly or you're unsure about the cause, it's best to consult a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the issue.

Prevention is key:

  1. Don't overload circuits: Avoid plugging too many devices into a single circuit.
  2. Regularly inspect wiring: Check for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion on your home's wiring.
  3. Use surge protectors: Install surge protectors to protect your devices from power surges and spikes.

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with electrical issues. If you're unsure about what to do or if you're not comfortable with electrical work, it's best to consult a licensed electrician.