We've all see the news stories talking about how the country's power grid comes under strain during the hot and humid summer months. As temperatures climb into the upper 90s and 100s accross the country, air conditioners tax not only the overall power grid, but your home's electrical system as well. Below, we've outlined some of the most common reasons for frequent circuit breaker trippage that can be solved with a little personal investigation, but if you see some of the more dangerous warning signs it's definitely time to call in a pro.
Overloaded Circuits
This is the exact scenario for which circuit breakers were invented. When too much power is being demanded from any one circuit, the overloaded pull will cause the breker to switch off. In the summer, this is most common when there are too many items - like fans and window AC units - plugged in to one circuit. The simple fix is to unplug any unused items, or spread the plugins around. If you reduce the number of items that are plugged in and the breaker continues to trip, you'll want to bring in a certified electrician for further investigation.
Short Circuits
This can be a more serious problem. After confirming that the breaker is turned off, inspect any appliance cords for charring or melting. You should also look at the plug itself for any signs or browning or blackening on the plug or plug cover. If you notice a burnt smell, or the smell of ozone that's a definite sign of a short circuit. If you're comfortable, you can also remove the plug cover and examine any visible wiring to ensure the insulation is in tact, and that no wires are in advertantly cross wired. If you're not overly handy, this is another great time to schedule an appointment with a certified electrician.
Shorting Appliances
The problem isn't always with your home's wiring. Before resetting the breaker unplug everything from the affected sockets, and turn off all lights and ceiling fans. If the breaker trips again after bring reset - even with everything unplugged and turned off - then the fault likely lies in the wiring. If the breaker doesn't trip, begin by turning on each switch not attached to a wall socket. If that goes smoothly the problem lies in something that was plugged in. Plug in those items one at a time, and you'll eventually find the appliance that needs repairing.
While the fixes listed above can be common sense for anyone with some do-it-yourself experience, there are some people who just don't mess with electrical. In that case, calling on a certified electrician will be your best solution for faulty electrical issues in your home. Thrasher has a team of electricians on staff that is willing to help with everything from a simple home safety check to a complete business rewiring. Click or call 800-827-0702 today, and put your electrical service concerns to rest.