How And Why To Replace A Circuit Breaker
UL 489 of UL Standard for Safety Molded-Case Circuit Breakers, Molded-Case Switches, and Circuit-Breaker Enclosures define a circuit breaker as a device designed to open and close a circuit by nonautomatic or manual means and to open the circuit automatically on a predetermined overcurrent without damage to itself when properly applied within its rating. They provide feeder and branch circuit protection for wiring and are designed for overcurrent protection for overload and short circuit conditions.
There are many types and sizes of circuit Breakers used on power systems from residential to large industrial and utility systems. You can categorize circuit Breakers as either thermal-magnetic designed to trip on their own during overcurrent conditions or circuit breakers that trip when another device like a relay or trip unit, tells them the needful. More advanced breakers can have many adjustments in settings that offer better coordination and selectivity with other protective devices.
What To Do If Circuit Breaker Is On But There’s No Power
Usually, if you suddenly lose power in a room, a simple quick flip of the circuit breaker will fix it. But if that doesn’t work, here are three steps to follow when your circuit breaker is on, but there is no power-
- Try resetting the breaker anyway first and foremost. You want to check to make sure that the breaker in question isn’t actually tripped. Sometimes breakers look like they aren’t when they really are. Also, unplug all devices that are running off the breaker that is in question. Check the GFCI reset button. Sometimes GFCIs can act like circuit breakers and cut off power.
- If your home doesn’t have a GFCI then your outlet is most likely what’s causing the problem.
- The breaker may no longer be working if you followed all the other steps. This is most likely your problem. Simply replace the circuit breaker that is acting up and your problem shall be resolved.
If you don’t know how to do this on your own, you may call a licensed electrician. Premier Electrical Services has a team of experienced and licensed electricians who specialize in the installation, repair, and upgrade of circuit breakers at your home or office. The sooner you get a new circuit breaker or call an electrician, the better because you don’t want to be without power or wait for a blackout. Our electricians offer emergency and regular around-the-clock services on all days of the week that address your issues promptly and skillfully.
Why Do You Need To Replace A Circuit Breaker
There are two main reasons why you would want to replace or need to replace a circuit breaker, one being the breaker is not putting any power out and the other reason is the breakers tripping at a lower current than what it’s rated for. So if you have a 20 amp breaker that can run 16 amps continuously and it’s tripping, say 5 amps after running for 10 or 15 minutes, then you would need to replace that breaker.
Before you consider replacing such breakers, you must consider your safety. If you’re scared or not comfortable working with your panel, just don’t do it. Instead, schedule an appointment with Premier Electrical Services to understand the intricacies and needs of your electrical wiring system and let us handle the job in a safe, affordable and reliable manner. Moreover, we comply with all the necessary licenses and permits required by the government authorities to ensure authenticity and avoid any possible inconvenience or liability to the customer in case of any mishap.
However, if you do have some confidence and you feel like you can do this, make sure you turn the power off to the panel before you work on it. There’s no good reason to do it while the panels are hot. You can shut the subpanel completely off with the breaker on your main panel. If it’s the main panel in your home, you must shut the main breaker off. But keep in mind that the two wires that feed the main breaker that you shut off are still hot. Everything below that main breaker will be dead and you will be able to get your hands in there and work. Another thing to note while you’re working in the panel is to treat it as if it were still hot. Only touch what you need to touch and be absolutely careful when you do it.
MCBs
A tiny interesting device called an MCB protects you and your house from electrical mishaps. This breaker saves you from two situations- short circuit and overload condition. In a short circuit scenario, the MCB trips in less than 3 milliseconds and isolates the internal connections. This smart device detects current chaos so quickly and precisely with a simple device called a fuse, which has a low melting point wire and was used for home protection in earlier days. In both the fault conditions mentioned previously, the current spikes up, resulting in overheating and fusing the wire or breaking the circuit. However, every time the fuse blows, you will have to replace it manually. Until you are able to do that, good luck with the blackout.
This commonly occurring situation is why circuit breakers were invented. The circuit breaker is an automatic on-off mechanism that keeps one side of the wire moving and the other fixed. During an electric fault, if the circuit opens wide, we are done with the design. After the fault ends, simply manually turn it on.
Fixing Breakers
Handling electrical work is better suited to an expert. Premier Electrical Services has well-trained and insured professionals offering an array of services. Each of our technicians has gone through rigorous training to assure compliance with the safety standards. Over the years, Premier Electrical Services has turned out to be the most reliable online store for customers looking for high-end electrical services that always fulfill their requirements in a shorter time while offering 100% satisfaction. From personal to commercial, light to heavy electrical work, we can do it all with ease. We routinely handle residential and commercial jobs, regardless of the volume or deadline.
So, the next time you think you need an electrician in the US – your go-to electrical experts are Premier Electrical Services. Premier Electrical Services specialize in electrical services, guarantee quality control, utmost convenience, and an eye for detail. Reach out to them to schedule an appointment.
