We all keep on using circuit breaker in our houses, it safeguards the electrical power systems and can be operated both automatically and manually. If we look into the functioning of the circuits, we will find a mainframe where a specific amount of electricity comes in from the supplier and is then split across the appliances. It enables the grounding of the excess electricity without which the wiring will get energized and the user is exposed to grave danger.
By now we understand that the electrical charge that flows through our houses needs a circuit to prevent any kind of electrical fires or shocks. While creating an electrical circuit plan, there’s a need to ground the charge by reaching zero voltage.
We also call this phenomenon earthing and it is the key that protects leakage of charge when we use electricity in our house. Some households have dedicated circuits for appliances, this is particularly to streamline the electrical setup and protect other, connected appliances.
The tripping of electrical circuits can be particularly annoying, but we must look at it as a warning sign. Tripping, if it’s rare, is preventive. But if the circuit breaker keeps tripping is an out and loud warning. Due to resistance, when an electric current is passed through the wires, they have a tendency to heat up.
Electric circuits break when the load is increased which is highly dangerous not only for the electrical setup but is also unsafe. We will discuss this in detail in this article.
In layman terms, electrical circuits are devised to handle a specific amount of electricity. When the amount of current flowing through the circuit increases the amount it is actually designed to handle, an overload happens. In this case, there is a bright chance that the wires can heat up to cause an electrical fire. This can also melt the plastic coating of the wire and lead to electrical shocks, which is endangering the life of your loved ones.
We, in general, have different circuits that handle a specific set of or a particular home appliance to avoid circuit overload. Appliances that have a dedicated circuit work more efficiently and can last longer. This also reduces the load on a single circuit, and therefore, prevents circuit overload or fuze burst. The circuits specifically used for a single appliance are called dedicated circuits.
When a circuit overload happens, it’s simple to fix can be that you shift the plugged-in devices from the overload circuit to the general circuit. You can either replace the fuse or flip the circuit breaker back.
When you check for the circuit that has tripped, you can look for the appliances that are connected to that specific circuit. Do not turn it on immediately!
Switch off all the appliances that are connected and then turn on the circuit.
At this point, you will be needed to turn on each appliance one at a time, and if the circuit falls by turning on a specific one. It’s the faulty appliance, and your circuit is safe!
When a ground fault occurs, the current spikes up which leads to tripping of the circuit. In simple terms, this happens when an electrical current travels through the ground instead of the path that was intended for it.
This occurs due to an energized conductor coming in contact with the ground frame. More often than not, ground faults are the results of an insulation breakdown.
It can also damage the electrical equipment, this occurs mostly because of the worn-out wiring, insulation, settling of dust particles or moisture, or if the equipment is too old. This is particularly dangerous for areas where the moisture content is high, for example, bathrooms or kitchens. Lighting is also one of the most common reasons for electrical spikes resulting in damaging of the equipment.
Another prominent reason includes using high voltage equipment like refrigerators and air conditioners all at once. We need to stay aware of these aspects as a preventive measure.
You definitely, and quickly need to call for a professional when a source of the ground fault happens! He will be able to best pinpoint the fault.
It is highly recommended to have frequent checks of the electrical circuit to avoid a hazard.
Ground Faults can be identified by looking at the following points.
The best way to protect yourself from ground faults is by checking the health of your GFCI or tripped circuit breaker. Follow the below-mentioned guidelines for the same.
So, first of all, let’s understand what short circuits are.
Reiterating the fact that, any and every form of wiring has some resistance in it that can lead to heating up of the wiring. When a heated wire comes in contact with a neutral wire, the resistance decreases instantly. The reason is that electricity always wants to take the shortest route in a circuit to reach the ground, or say go back into the ground. The shortest path is a more direct route offering the least resistance.
This leads to the occurrence of heavy flow voltage in an unexpected wire or let’s say pathway.
Just FYI, if electricity thinks that you are the shortest and most direct way to reach the ground, you are the path! Therefore, a short circuit can be quite dangerous.
The primary reason behind a short circuit is a damaged set of wires that can exist anywhere in the electrical setup. Common ways to identify damaged wires are mentioned below.
When handling a problem with circuit shorting, make sure that all the appliances are switched off. Again in case of a short circuit, you will have to identify the circuit that has tripped and either connect your appliances to a different circuit altogether or replace the fuse. You can also reset the same.
Electrical issues in the house can be life-threatening, and fixing them can dig a hole in your pocket. It is always the best option to keep the electrical circuits in check to avoid the occurrence of such mishappenings. As they say, prevention is better than cure! In this case, it’s cost-efficient too.
We can thereby draw a conclusion that frequent circuit tripping is the warning sign that needs to be taken seriously.
Your electrician will be well versed of the load coming into the mainframe and the distribution.
It is highly recommended if you call a professional to fix the faults in the circuits and also pinpoint other reasons why your circuit is tripping.
Because the fixing required will best be handled by a professional!
Be cautious about the tripping circuit breaker in your house. It is an essential part of your house electrical system as it prevents incidents of an electrical fire. If your house’s electrical breaker keeps tripping, follow this: - Use less number of appliances that draw high current like AC, Microwave, etc. - Upgrade your house wiring by adding additional circuits. - Hire a professional to check if there is any short circuit.
Well, there can be various reasons for frequent and sudden tripping incidents. A circuit breaker keeps tripping because: - It is overloaded, i.e., you are running more devices that require high current input. - There is a short circuit in your house’s electrical connections. - Ground fault, i.e., the ground and live wire touch and high amount of current flow through the circuit breaker. Thus, making it a trip.
The process of testing a circuit breaker that keeps tripping is really easy but it must be carried out with certain precautions. - Turn off the circuit breaker followed by all the appliances in your house. - Turn the breaker back on and one by one the appliances. - Closely analyze how many devices can run easily before the breaker keeps tripping. - You can try turning on different devices to see the performance of the breaker.
Yes, it is possible that the circuit breaker keeps tripping due to water. It is called a ground fault, and it happens if the water finds its way into a switch box or electrical outlet. As water conducts electricity very well, it can lead the current out of the intended wiring and increase the current level. This makes the circuit breaker trip.
Yes, it can be dangerous provided if the tripping is frequently happening. The circuit breaker has a voltage in it, even if it is off. So, it is necessary for you to wear rubber gloves and rubber footwear while touching the circuit breaker. However, it is recommended that you get an electrician for your tripping circuit breaker.
Yes, in the case of high voltage devices like an air conditioner, a bad capacitor can be the reason for a circuit breaker that keeps tripping. The capacitor is a component in the air conditioner responsible for starting the cooling compressor. If the compressor does not start properly, it can harness more current that may damage the capacitor and trip the circuit breaker.
Your comment is awaiting for moderation
Related Posts
Related Infographics