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McKinney, Texas’ #1 Electrician
214.536.5555
Circuit Breakers
A circuit breaker is an automatic switch that stops the flow of electricity when an overload or short circuit occurs.
Circuit breakers are essential to manage the electrical load (the amount of electricity one circuit is designed to handle safely). Standard household circuit breakers can manage 15 to 20 amp circuits in each individual breaker. This amount is typically what is needed to power most light fixtures and small appliances. Larger appliances such as stove, microwaves, dishwashers, washers & dryers require a high rated circuit breaker, typically a 20 to 30 amp circuit rating.
Unlike fuses, circuit breakers can usually be reset and reused.
Location of Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers are housed in the service panel (also referred to as breaker box or fuse box) that receives and manages your main electrical services and regulates the flow of electricity into different areas. In a house, breaker boxes are typically located in the garage or basement. Where neither a garage nor basement are present (such as apartments), look behind open doors and inside closets.
A typical residential or small business service panel contains rows of switches that are usually flipped in the same direction.
Circuit Breaker Trip
When a circuit breaker detects an electrical fault it automatically shuts off electricity flowing through that circuit; this is commonly referred to as “circuit breaker trip” or “tripped circuit breaker.”
Causes of Tripped Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers trip for a number of reasons. Trying to diagnose an electrical issue such as this on your own can be dangerous; risks include electrocution and fire. Causes that might trigger the circuit breaker to trip include:
- Overloaded Circuit: The most common reason for a circuit breaker to trip. This occurs when there are too many devices (television, microwave, hair dryer, portable heater/fan, etc.) pulling electrical current from the same breaker. You can reduce the likelihood of tripping a circuit breaker by reducing the number of devices connected to the same breaker.
- Short Circuit: You plug in or power on an electronic device and the circuit breaker trips right away. A licensed electrician can determine if the short circuit is in the electrical circuit or the electronic device.
- Ground Fault: The most serious cause of circuit breaker tripping. In a multi-
branch circuit, determining the cause is not easy. When an electrical circuit has an open neutral, the (120V/240V) line voltage may access the operating voltage which may cause and electrical fire.
Determining If Circuit Breaker Is Tripped
If power to an electronic device plugged into a GFCI outlet suddenly shuts off, or when using an appliance with built-
If the above does not apply, most likely one or more of the circuit breakers in your service panel have tripped and need to be reset.
How to Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker
- Find the electrical service panel (breaker box).
- Identify the tripped circuit breaker. It will not be fully in the “On” position but rather in the “Off” position or in between. Some breakers will have a red section near the handle when tripped.
- Push the lever of the tripped circuit breaker fully to the “Off” position and back fully back to the “On” position. You will hear a clicking sound as the breaker snaps back into the “On” position.
Certain Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
If a circuit breaker keeps tripping the problem is most likely with the electrical load for that particular circuit. The circuit breaker is part of a circuit and is designed to handle a certain number of amps. If the electrical current demanded by the devices powered by that circuit exceeds the number of amps for that circuit, the circuit breaker will overload and trip off in order to protect the electrical system.
An overloaded circuit can cause the circuit breaker to overheat, as well.
The solution to this problem is to add an additional circuit that can handle a higher load.
Don’t try to replace or fix a faulty circuit breaker yourself; it could be very dangerous!
Nisat Electric's Licensed Master Electrician is trained to troubleshoot and repair electrical problems related to faulty circuit breakers. Before you hire someone to complete electrical work in your home or business, please take a few minutes to read Reviews from Nisat Electric customers as well as electrician licensing regulations and Nisat Electric's Licensure in the State of Texas.
Call Nisat Electric at (214) 536-
Circuit Breaker Guide
Does the circuit breaker trip when you plug in a wall heater or turn on a television, microwave or other appliance? Anyone living McKinney, Texas should have a basic understanding of circuit breakers. Circuit breakers are an essential safety feature of the electrical wiring in your home or business.
Don’t try to replace or fix a faulty circuit breaker yourself! It could be very dangerous. Contact a licensed electrician immediately.