The circuit breaker is one of the most important safety devices in your home. There are several types such as GFCI and AFCI breakers (which is covered in another section). They are manufactured in many different sizes depending on the device they are protecting. The most common circuit breakers your home will utilize are 15 amp, 20 amp, 30 amp and 40 amp. Your normal branch circuits such as lighting and receptacles will be protected by 15 or 20 amp circuit breakers. Larger appliances such as your clothes dryer use a 30 amp circuit breaker where as your range will use a 40 amp circuit breaker. Their purpose is to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by a short circuit or overload; greatly reducing the risk of fire, property damage and personal injury. This could be caused from having too many appliances plugged into the same circuit, faulty wiring, a short circuit in a fixture, or a damaged cord or plug. Once the breaker detects a fault condition, it will mechanically discontinue electrical flow. When a breaker is tripped, it will be in the off position or in between the on and the off. To reset a tripped breaker, you need to push the breaker switch fully to the off position, then back to the on position.

• Manufactured in different sizes according to the device they are protecting
• Protects an electrical circuit from damage caused by a short circuit or overload

Steps to resetting a tripped breaker:

1. Go to your Electrical Service Panel: The electrical service panel is usually in the garage, basement or room with your furnace and hot water heater. Your home could contain sub panels which are other panels fed from your main panel.
2. Locate the tripped breaker: The tripped breaker will be somewhere in between the “On” and “Off” position or completely off. Some breakers utilize a visual indicator by displaying red next to the lever of the breaker that has tripped.
3. Reset the Circuit Breaker: To reset the breaker, push the level all the way to the “Off” position and then back to the “On” position. If the breaker trips again, there is still an overcurrent or shorting condition. Too many appliances or devices plugged into the same circuit could cause an overcurrent condition. Faulty wiring, a short circuit in a fixture, or a damage cord or plug would cause a short circuit condition.

Are your breakers constantly tripping?

Are any of your breakers not working at all?

Are you in need of Arc Fault breakers for your bedrooms?

Do you need another circuit installed?

If you are experiencing any of these issues, feel free to give Hot Electric a call. We will gladly investigate the problem and provide solutions that work for you. We will also perform a Free Home Safety Check-Up to inform you of ways to ensure your home is up to code and extremely safe. Call us today to take advantage of these services.