A tripped circuit breaker can be a frustrating issue for homeowners and businesses alike. Fortunately, most of the time the fix is relatively simple and can be done safely and quickly. In this DIY guide, we will go over the steps necessary to properly diagnose and fix a tripped circuit breaker.
Step 1
The first step is to identify the cause of the tripped circuit breaker. In some cases, the cause is obvious, such as an appliance that was overloaded or a short circuit. In other cases, the cause is not so clear. It could be a wiring issue or a faulty circuit breaker. If the cause is not evident, it is important to investigate further and identify the source of the problem.
Step 2
Once the cause is identified, it is time to address the issue. If the source of the trip is an overloaded appliance, then unplugging the appliance should resolve the issue. If the source is a wiring issue, then it is important to enlist the help of a qualified electrician in order to address the issue.
If the cause of the tripped circuit breaker is a faulty circuit breaker, then it is time to replace the breaker. It is important to note that only a qualified electrician should handle this task. Circuit breakers contain potentially dangerous levels of electricity and should never be tampered with by an untrained individual.
Step 3
Once the new circuit breaker is installed, it is important to check the wiring to ensure that everything is properly connected. Additionally, any appliances connected to the circuit should be tested to ensure that they are working properly.
Step 4
Finally, it is important to test the circuit breaker itself. This can be done by turning on a large appliance or multiple appliances at once and seeing if the circuit breaker trips. If it does, then the new circuit breaker was not installed correctly and should be replaced.
By following the steps in this DIY guide, most individuals should be able to resolve their tripped circuit breaker issue with relative ease. Of course, if the cause of the issue is not apparent or if the issue persists, then it is important to enlist the help of a qualified electrician in order to ensure that the issue is addressed properly and safely.