A circuit breaker is the most important electrical component in a home. It protects your electrical appliances by shutting off the flow of electricity in case of a short circuit or an overload, ultimately preventing damage due to an over voltage in the main supply.
Every homeowner should be aware of common problems associated with circuit breakers, as well as their solutions. A fault in your circuit breaker is actually a very common electrical problems in homes overall. Today, we will look at the circuit breaker issues that may call for a professional electrician.
1. Tripped Circuit Breaker
Every circuit breaker has a specific electrical load limit that it can handle safely. For example, standard circuit breakers can normally handle about 15 to 30 amperes, and will trip in case of an electrical overload. Resetting the circuit or reducing the load can help resolve the problem.
Sometimes a circuit trips even in the case of a normal load. If resetting the breaker doesn’t solve the issue, then it probably needs to be replaced completely by a professional electrician.
2. Buzzing Noise from the Circuit Breaker
A buzzing noise coming from the circuit breaker indicates a serious electrical problem because it can occur in the case of an overloaded circuit that has not yet tripped. In addition, a problem at the electrical connection can also be a reason for the noise. Calling an electrician is highly recommended to resolve this type issue.
3. Blinking Lights
In some situations, the lights in the rooms flicker when an appliance is turned on which is usually because there’s a fault in the electrical wiring. This problem requires testing the entire wiring in your homes, and rewiring the affected circuits. Troubleshooting the problem is a key component to resolving this issue as a faulty household wiring can damage the appliances and also increase the risk of a fire or an electric shock.
4. Short Circuit
When a hot wire touches the neutral wire, an electrical charge will bypass the normal route resulting in a high flow of current, known as a short-circuit. A circuit breaker automatically trips in case of a short circuit to prevent major damage to the household wiring and electrical appliances.
If the circuit trips frequently, it could indicate a short circuit inside the house. The main causes behind a short circuit include a fault in the household or appliance wiring or sockets. A professional electrician can conduct a thorough inspection to identify the source of the short circuit. Making sure you work with experienced professional electricians for this job, in particular, is important. If this job isn’t done correctly it can have negative effects on the wiring of your entire home.
You should never try to repair the electrical problems yourself. Even minor problems in the electrical circuitry can be highly dangerous. Conducting the repairs yourself can result in a dangerous and potentially fatal electrical shock.
That’s why it’s highly recommended that you contact a qualified electrician to conduct the repair work. Experienced electricians have required knowledge, skills, as well as the equipment and safety tools to expertly diagnose and resolve all kinds of electrical issues.