It’s important to inform anyone who might need to reset circuit breakers about the proper use and some basics of operation of circuit breakers. This will also lead into the reasons why the old fuse type panels should be replaced. The purpose of a standard circuit breaker is to protect the wiring in your home or business and thus prevent fires and of course prevent expensive replacement of burned out circuits and equipment. A standard circuit breaker does NOT protect people from shock hazard. There is special type of circuit breaker or outlet protector called GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) that does the job of preventing shock or electrocution.
Important points for anyone who might need to reset or operate circuit breakers:
- If a breaker trips it could be due to one or more of several possible causes. (see below)
- If you reset a circuit breaker and it trips again do NOT continue trying to reset it. You should call a professional (licensed) electrician to check the problem.
- To reset a circuit breaker you normally switch it to the completely OFF position and then to the ON position.
- Don’t assume that a circuit breaker is bad because it keeps tripping. Have a professional (licensed) electrician check it.
The reasons a standard circuit breaker (Not GFCI or AFCI) trips is due to over current. Circuit breakers are rated by current trip level. A 15 amp rated circuit breaker will protect a circuit if current exceeds 15 amps. Also a 20 Amp rated circuit breaker will protect a circuit up if current exceeds 20 Amps. The proper size breaker should be determined by a professional (licensed) electrician.
When a breaker trips it could indicate there is a short circuit somewhere or it could be due to overloading, which means that there are too many things plugged in and running at the same time. If you plug in or turn on some device or appliance it might mean that there is a problem with that appliance, or it could be there were already too many things running and that last thing you turned on might be the straw that broke the camels back.
Some older buildings still have the old fuse panels. These provide some protection for the circuits yet there are some hazards associated with fuse panels. When a fuse blows the fuse must be replaced. This is not the case for circuit breaker protection. A circuit breaker is simply reset. One of the infamous problems with fuse panels is the tendency of people to use the wrong replacement or even use other metal objects in place of a blown fuse. This is a very dangerous situation and can lead to fires. Whenever possible fuse panels should be replaced.
In addition some homeowners insurance will not cover buildings protected with old fuse panels. Check with your insurer.
