Circuit
breakers might be called a renewable resource because to reactivate
a tripped breaker you flip a toggle switch instead of replacing
a fuse, which you probably don't have handy when one goes bad. Replacing
a malfunctioning circuit breaker toggle - or installing a new one
- is almost as easy as replacing a fuse in a regular fuse box.
A circuit
breaker snaps open when there is a power overload or a short on
the circuit. Until this problem is corrected, the circuit breaker
will continue to click open.
SHORT
CIRCUITS AND OVERLOADED CIRCUITS:
If a circuit breaker trips, you have either a short circuit or an
overloaded circuit. To find the cause, disconnect all lamps and
appliances on the affected circuit and then re-energize that circuit.
If a circuit breaker trips with all appliances disconnected, you
have a short circuit and the house wiring itself must be repaired
or replaced. If the circuit is good, reconnect each lamp and appliance,
one at a time. Extreme caution is required. Examine each lamp carefully
and never plug in frayed or bare cords or damaged plugs.
The circuit
breaker should trip when you plug in the faulty lamp or appliance.
Check for a broken light socket or other problem and have repairs
made before using the lamp or appliance again.
OVERLOADED
CIRCUITS:
If one particular circuit is repeatedly interrupted, there may be
too many appliances or lamps on that circuit. It may be necessary
to add an additional circuit for appliances with heavier current
drain.
WHEN
TO CALL FOR HELP:
If your entire house is without power, call your utility or local
electrical contractor. You may have a problem with the service panel
or wiring leading to it. Outages of this magnitude are generally
beyond the level of expertise of the do-it-yourselfer.
KEEP
SAFETY FIRST:
Working with electricity is not hazardous as long as you obey strict
safety rules. Always shut off or disconnect power before handling
wires. If you are working on the electrical service entrance, do
not stand on a damp floor. Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves,
and stand on a rubber mat or a piece of dry wood. Above all, if
you are in any doubt about how to do any particular job, call in
a licensed electrician.
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