It’s happened to us all: someone is using a hair dryer, another is cozied up by a space heater, and there are countless lights and other electronics running, when… boom! Everything goes out, because you’ve tripped the circuit breaker. So, what’s the first step toward getting the electricity back up and running?
Finding the Cause of a Tripped Circuit Breaker
Many people would likely not be able to tell you what a circuit breaker does in the first place, but it’s a fixture intended for safety. The breaker shuts off your electricity when it gets to a certain level of use (or overuse) to avoid fires caused by overloaded systems. This is why it’s so important to look for reasons that this may have happened in the first place, particularly if it does occur more than once.
Circuit overload occurs when there is an excess of things plugged into a single outlet (or circuit). Since most circuits are only meant to handle a certain amount of power, this may be the cause behind the tripped breaker. It could also be the result of a short circuit, which is a moment of overheating caused by a “hot wire” touching “a neutral wire.”
Other reasons for the circuit breaker cutting the power regularly are a ground fault or a faulty appliance. For example, if you had something installed that runs from your home’s electrical system, it may be that that was wired incorrectly at installation and is therefore causes issues.
There are so many possible sources of a tripped breaker, and you may not actually be able to identify the cause on your own. Do make note of how frequently this happens and what you were doing or using when it does, and then get in touch with Tim Kyle Electric. You can talk to an expert about new installations of lighting and wiring, among other things, for your home or business.
About Tim Kyle Electric
Tim Kyle Electric has been delighting our customers with responsive, trusted and professional electrical services since 1986. We provide residential, commercial and solar power services and are experts in our field. Our team of professionally trained employees uphold our core values of honesty, respect and integrity. We are available 24/7 for your electrical servicing needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss your next electrical project.