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Warnings to take note of
| Warning | Description |
|---|---|
| New breaker malfunction | If the new breaker doesn't work properly or doesn't stay closed, turn off the power immediately and contact a licensed, competent, and insured electrician. |
| Unable to locate the main power cut off switch | If you can't locate the main power cut off switch, do not attempt to remove a circuit breaker or work on the circuit panel. Contact an electrician for assistance. |
| Feeling uncomfortable, unsafe or unsure | If you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or unsure at any point, stop what you're doing and call a licensed, competent, and insured electrician. Remember, safety is always more important than saving a little money. |
| Replacement of main breaker | Do not attempt to replace the main breaker on your own. This is a job for a licensed, competent, and insured electrician. |
| Do not access power company's equipment | Do not attempt to access the meter box, underground wiring/overhead cable, or any equipment owned and/or maintained by your power company. If you need service on their equipment, contact your power company for assistance. |
| Working alone | Never work alone. Always have someone observe you in case of an emergency. |
| Live lugs | Never touch the lugs that are adjacent to the main breaker and/or connected to the Service Entry Conductors. These are always live, even if the power is cut to the rest of the buss assembly. |
| Avoid using larger amperage breaker | Never replace a circuit breaker with one of larger amperage as this can cause dangerous wiring overload. |
Should You Go DIY or Professional electrician?
Deciding whether to perform an electrical task yourself or hire a professional electrician is a common dilemma for homeowners. While DIY electrical work can save money, it also poses potential safety risks and may result in improper installation that can lead to further expenses in the future. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to go DIY or hire a professional electrician.
Pros and Cons of DIY Electrical Work:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost savings: Performing electrical work yourself can save you money on labor costs. | Safety risks: Working with electricity can be dangerous and can lead to injury or even death if proper precautions are not taken. |
| Learning experience: Tackling an electrical project can be a great learning experience and may give you a sense of accomplishment. | Code violations: Electrical work must meet local and national codes. DIY work may not meet these requirements and can result in fines or problems when selling your home. |
| Convenience: DIY electrical work can be done on your schedule. | Lack of expertise: Professional electricians are trained and licensed to handle electrical work. DIYers may lack the knowledge or experience to do the job properly, which can lead to further expenses in the future. |
| Insurance concerns: Home insurance policies may not cover damages resulting from DIY electrical work. |
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Professional Electrician:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Safety: Professional electricians are trained to handle electrical work safely and efficiently. | Cost: Hiring a professional electrician can be more expensive than doing the work yourself. |
| Expertise: Electricians are knowledgeable about local and national codes and can ensure that work meets these requirements. | Scheduling: Electricians may not be able to work on your schedule and may require appointments in advance. |
| Time savings: Electricians can complete work quickly and efficiently, saving you time and hassle. | Communication: Miscommunications can occur between the homeowner and electrician, which may result in unsatisfactory work. |
| Guarantees: Many electricians offer warranties or guarantees on their work, giving you peace of mind. |
When to Go DIY:
- For minor electrical tasks, such as replacing a light switch or light fixture.
- For tasks that do not require new wiring or electrical panels.
- When you have the knowledge and experience to perform the task safely and efficiently.
When to Hire a Professional Electrician:
- For major electrical tasks, such as installing new electrical panels or wiring.
- For tasks that require a permit and inspection by the local government.
- When the task is beyond your level of expertise.
- When the task requires specialized tools or equipment.
Troubleshooting tips for a faulty circuit breaker
If you are experiencing problems with a faulty circuit breaker, here are some troubleshooting tips to help identify and fix the issue:
- Identify the problem:
- Tripping frequently or repeatedly
- Failing to trip when it should
- Humming or buzzing noises coming from the panel
- The breaker feels loose or wobbly
- Check for overloading:
- Look for a short circuit:
- Test the circuit breaker: If you are unsure if the circuit breaker is the problem, you can test it with a multimeter. Set the multimeter to measure resistance and touch the probes to the two terminals on the breaker. A good breaker should show a reading of 0 or close to 0 ohms. If the reading is infinite or significantly higher, the breaker may be faulty and need to be replaced.
- Reset the breaker:
-
Replace the breaker:
If you have ruled out all other causes and the breaker is still faulty, it may be time to replace it. Just follow the steps we outlined earlier or let a qualified electrician do the job.
First, you need to determine what the problem is. A faulty circuit breaker can manifest in several ways, including:
Overloading is one of the most common reasons for a tripped circuit breaker. If you have too many devices or appliances connected to a single circuit, it can cause the breaker to trip. Try unplugging some of the devices and see if the problem persists.
If you have ruled out overloading as the issue, you may have a short circuit. A short circuit occurs when a hot wire comes in contact with a neutral wire, causing an electrical current to flow to the ground. This can cause the breaker to trip. Look for damaged wires, frayed insulation, or loose connections that may be causing the short circuit.
If you have determined that the problem is with the circuit breaker, try resetting it. To reset the breaker, turn it off and then back on. If it stays on and does not trip, the problem may have been a temporary overload. If it trips again immediately or soon after being reset, the problem may be a short circuit or a faulty breaker.
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Conclusion
Circuit breakers are an essential component of your home's electrical system, and knowing how to troubleshoot and replace them is important for maintaining the safety and functionality of your home. By following the steps and precautions outlined in this guide, you can safely and effectively troubleshoot and replace a faulty circuit breaker. Remember to always prioritize safety, and to seek the help of a licensed, competent, and insured electrician if you feel unsure or uncomfortable at any point during the process. With proper knowledge and precautions, you can ensure the reliable and safe operation of your home's electrical system.
