Each circuit breaker in your property is designed to provide a warning and prevent an electrical fault from becoming a more serious issue. It is designed to prevent overheating and detects any electrical overload problem.
Having the best square d 50 amp breaker installed will help to give you the level of protection you need and want. However, it is also helpful to understand how your circuit breaker works and what to do when the power is tripped.
Your circuit breaker is designed as a safety device and is designed to halt the flow of electricity immediately after it detects there is an electrical fault such as a short circuit or an overload problem.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you know what to do when your circuit breaker is called into action.
Identify which circuit has a problem
If you suspect there is a problem with the electrics or some part of your electrical system has lost power you will need to access the panel housing your circuit breakers.
The most obvious pointer to look for is when a circuit breaker has tripped and the lever has moved to the “off” position. Check to see if one of the individual breakers has “tripped” or it could be that the main switch has turned off.
Sometimes, your system might have a problem but has not actually tripped one of the breakers. You might be able to detect a humming sound coming from one of your circuit breakers. This is an indication that your system is overloaded and needs checking before the trip is activated.
See if you can restore the power
The next step in your troubleshooting process should be to test your circuit breaker to see if it will allow you to switch it back on again.
Move the lever between the on and off positions a couple of times to see if it trips again.
This is also a way to check if the breaker is faulty and needs replacing. If you discover that the breaker is loose and doesn’t have any give in it the best course of action is often to have it replaced because it is faulty.
The right way to turn the power back on
One of the problems you want to avoid when you turn the power back on is the chance of a power surge, which could damage your system.
Switch off all of your appliances that are connected to the circuit breaker before turning them back on. If it keeps on tripping you should call a professional to carry out further investigation work.
Is your wiring faulty?
If your circuit breaker is tripping on a regular basis that should be a warning to get your wiring checked to see if it is faulty.
Get the wiring checked by a professional once you have identified that you have a problem.
Test your circuit breaker for voltage
Last but not least, it is a good idea to test for the necessary voltage by using a volt tester probe against the tip of the hot wire.
If you discover voltage present it means your circuit breaker needs replacing.
Follow these steps when troubleshooting electrical problems, but don’t take any unnecessary risks. Always consult an electrical professional if you are in any doubt or if repairs are required.
