Why won’t my circuit breaker reset?
Circuit breakers trip when there is too much power being used or if there is a problem in the circuit. The devices that use the most power are usually items that use electricity to heat things (e.g. microwave, toaster, space heater, hair dryer, etc.). There are two ways to remedy this issue:
- Only use one appliance at a time.
- Or run a new circuit to the area that needs more power This option requires a licensed electrician to run a new wire from the electrical panel to the area where you would like the new power.
A breaker will also trip if there is a problem in the wiring of the house or the device. Sometimes the devices that use the electricity can have problems internally (like a “short”). Unplug everything on the circuit and see if the circuit breaker stays in the on position. If so, then the problem is with the device. If not, there could be a problem with the outlet or switch itself. If this is the case, call a licensed electrician to troubleshoot the outlet/switch and locate the wiring issue.
Why does my microwave keep tripping the breaker in my house?
To put it simply, breakers can only handle a certain amount of power. If this amount of power is exceeded, it will shut down or “trip”. To know how much power your breaker can handle, look at the number on the breaker inside the panel. This is the amount of amperage it can handle before it trips. Anything that uses electricity to heat or cool uses a lot of power to operate (such as microwaves and toasters) and can often cause breakers to trip when used simultaneously.
For example, if you have a 20 amp breaker and are running both a microwave, which uses 12 amps, and a toaster, which uses 10 amps, you are pulling 22 amps, and therefore will trip your breaker, causing the power to shut off to that area.
You can resolve this issue by not powering devices on the same circuit simultaneously. Or you can have a licensed electrician upgrade your breaker so that you can run more power off of that circuit.
Why does my air conditioner keep turning off my circuit breaker?
Air conditioners use a lot of power to start up, called a “rush current”. Most AC units have a nameplate or plaque on them that specifically says the maximum or minimum breaker size to operate. If the breaker keeps tripping, make sure the AC and wire are in good operational shape. If they are, installing the maximum allowable breaker for the AC unit should fix the problem.
What is a GFCI and what does it do?
GFCI (also commonly referred to as GFI) stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. To put it simply, electricity flows in a circle. There is power on the black wire, which hits the light, and then the white wire (neutral) provides a return path to ground. This completes a circuit and will make the light bulb turn on when power is delivered to it. A GFCI measures the power on the white and black wire. If one wire has an imbalance of .5 milliamps or more, it will shut itself off because that means there is an issue somewhere.
Why does the GFCI in my kitchen keep tripping?
GFCIs trip because of an imbalance in the wiring. GFCIs are required in all areas near water (like bathrooms and kitchens) because they are designed to shut off, for your safety, if water is detected in the outlet. Other reasons a GFI may trip include an old motor or refrigerator, the GFCI itself is bad, or a problem in the circuit wiring.
Does my outdoor receptacle have to be on a GFCI?
Yes, this is for your own safety and is a Code requirement. There may be some exceptions made for older homes. For example, a GFI outlet located in the garage of an older home may also protect the bathroom and sometimes the outdoor outlets as well. In a new house, this would be a code violation.
Why can’t I just replace my old circuit breaker with a bigger one?
Circuit breakers are sized to the wire that is attached to them. If a smaller-size wire is terminated on a breaker that is too large, the wire can overheat and burn because the breaker will not be providing the protection needed to minimize hazards. There are some exceptions to this rule, with the largest one being a motor such as an AC unit. If you are unsure of the wire size contact a licensed electrician.
How hard is it to install a breaker for a Jacuzzi?
The breaker itself is not too difficult to install, however there are several safety considerations and code requirements that need to be followed when connecting a jacuzzi. For example, if metal is present within a 5-foot radius it needs to be bonded (grounded) to the hot tub itself. There are also rules on where the disconnect needs to be. Therefore, it is best to consult with a licensed electrician before installing a new or moving an existing jacuzzi.
Can I put a higher wattage bulb in my light fixture if I use an LED instead?
Yes, as long as the heat from the LED light is not more than a 60-watt incandescent light bulb, which is unlikely. LED lights use far less energy than a conventional incandescent or halogen light bulb. Check the packaging on your light bulb for information about the wattage.
What is an AFCI and what does it do?
AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. When you are running the vacuum and the plug accidentally pulls out of the wall and you see that spark – that is electricity “arcing”. An AFCI breaker is designed to detect arcing, which could indicate a loose connection. When an AFCI breaker trips, it’s important to determine the cause and whether there may be a hazard present.
Can I change a circuit breaker out myself?
We highly recommend having a licensed professional do this for you. Failure to shut off the panel completely or touching dangerous areas of the panel could result in serious injuries or a fire hazard.
How do I change out an outlet/receptacle? How hard is it to replace an electrical outlet?
Like many electrical projects, changing an outlet/receptacle is not necessarily a difficult task, however there are safety risks (both to you and your home), if not done properly. The most important thing to remember is to turn off power at the breaker or even the whole house before touching any wiring. A licensed electrician can often change out/replace an electrical outlet for you in under an hour, so it is best to call a professional to ensure it is done properly and up to code.
Why does only half of my house have power?
This is usually something that has happened gradually over time. The first sign may have been light “pulsing” when running appliances, like the dryer or AC unit. Losing power in half of the house is usually caused by, what is called, “losing a leg”, meaning one of the two power wires has a bad or loose connection. This can either be caused by the wires coming into your house, which would need to be fixed by the city utilities company. If you suspect this, the utility company will often test and fix this at no charge. It can also be caused by the wiring running from your electrical meter or panel to your house. If this is the case, a licensed electrician can help diagnose and resolve the issue inside your home. Either way, this issue should be addressed quickly, as it could be potentially hazardous.
Why does my light switch make a popping noise whenever I turn it on or off?
A light switch removes and connects power to your light. A faint popping noise could simply be an indication of this normal function. The intensity of the noise depends on how much power is on the switch, however there should never be a loud noise coming from a switch. Any loud popping noise(s) should be checked immediately to rule out any hazards.
Why does my light switch sometimes turn on when I switch it downwards?
If the switch is a 3-way switch (able to be operated from 2 places in the home, usually at the top and bottom of the stairs), one switch can be in the up position while the other one is in the down position, which is normal.
How long can I use an extension cord for power?
Extension cords are not designed to be used for permanent power, but they are safe to use temporarily if they are not damaged and are functioning properly. Be sure to regularly examine your extension cords. If there are nicks, exposed wires, or the end is falling off, it’s time to get a new cord.
