Sometimes our outlets suddenly stop working. We go to our basement and flip our breaker back on. You question how this flip turned off on its own? There is an answer to that as well.
Electricity powers every single place, but it also comes with risks. That’s where circuit breakers come in. Basically, it is a safety device. It protects electrical systems from short circuits by automatically cutting off the flow of electricity. At Sargent Electric Co., we understand reliable circuit breakers are important for both residential and commercial electrical safety.
Are Circuit Breakers Super Complicated?
A circuit breaker is like a safety switch for your electrical system. Its main job is to stop the flow of electricity when the current becomes too strong. The interesting thing is that it is only a simple mechanism. This mechanism is inside every breaker that detects electrical overheating.
When electricity flows through a circuit normally, or when there is only a normal amount of devices working, the breaker stays on. If too many devices are plugged in, the breaker senses the extra heat. It trips. This stops the flow of electricity to prevent damage.
Common Circuit Breaker Myth
People like to assume that circuit breakers trip for no reason. In reality, it is always a sign of an underlying issue. Circuits that are overloaded and faulty appliances can all cause a breaker to shut off. If you choose to ignore these warnings, larger problems are on the way. These include damaged wiring or fires.
Types of Circuit Breakers
“Are there types of breakers or just one type?” There are a few types.
- Magnetic breakers: Their responsibility is to react to sudden surges.
- Thermal breakers: This type responds to heat caused by overloads.
- Combination breakers: This one senses both arcs: series and parallel. It will use both methods for maximum protection.
How Circuit Breakers Are Our Guardians
There are times when we are using multiple appliances in our kitchen. We like to multitask, so we use the microwave, toaster, and coffee maker ALL AT ONCE!. Suddenly, the lights flicker, and part of the house goes dark. That’s your circuit breaker doing its job. It is tripping the circuit to protect the wires.
Circuit breakers don’t just protect your property. They are protecting lives. Electrical fires are major hazards.
| Electrical malfunction caused about 6.3% of residential fires in the US. It was the leading cause of non-residential building fires at 22%. |
In commercial and industrial settings, they are even more critical. Equipment malfunctions or power surges can cause serious downtime. It can damage expensive machinery. We don’t want our business to run at a loss, right?
When to Start Worrying
If your circuit breaker trips all the time, it might be time to call someone. The electricians at Sargent Electric Co. will inspect your system and tell you the root cause. Some practical solutions are:
- Redistributing power loads: You can do this by spreading your electrical use more evenly across the house.
- Replacing outdated breakers: Why keep unreliable breakers when they don’t work anymore?
- Upgrading your electrical panel: A full upgrade will be costly, and hey, it’s safe.
Stuff like regular inspections, tightening connections, and replacing worn components can extend the life of your circuit breakers. Do these, and hopefully your system will run smoothly.
Conclusion
They are never mentioned anywhere, but we believe circuit breakers are the heroes of every electrical system. They protect homes and businesses from overloads, short circuits, and fires. Everyone should at least try to understand how they work! It is very important to maintain them properly for our own safety.
Experiencing frequent breaker trips? Want some peace of mind? Our experienced electricians are here to help! Contact Sargent Electric Co. today to schedule an inspection.
FAQs
How to reset the circuit breaker?
Reset a tripped breaker by pushing it to the off position, then back to the closed or reset position.
Can I replace a circuit breaker myself?
Yes, you can do it if you can take the necessary precautions, but it is always advised to call a professional electrician to do it for you.
Is it dangerous if the circuit breaker keeps tripping?
It is very dangerous if your breaker keeps tripping. In this case, you should call someone to inspect it. Call Sargent Electric Co. for all your electrical problems.
Are there warning signs before an electrical fire?
Yes, and you should never forget these. Before an electrical fire, your lights will start flickering and dimming. If you smell plastic burning, RUN.
How do you maintain a circuit breaker?
Stuff like visual inspection and cleaning is a must. High-voltage circuit breakers should be inspected every six to 12 months, while medium-voltage circuit breakers don’t require that hard maintenance.