February 6, 2015

Quick Tips: Circuit Breakers

Circuit Breaker

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. Power comes in from the utility lines outside and is distributed throughout your home by passing through these circuit breakers. When a circuit breaker trips, it’s acting as a safety device to protect your electrical panel from electrical overload. Electrical overloads could cause damage to appliances, ultimately result in a fire.

What creates an electrical overload? Well the most likely reason is that you have too much plugged into one outlet. If a circuit breaker trips, try to reset it by turning it to the off position and then back to the on position. Do this only once, this is important, don’t keep resetting a circuit breaker. If it trips again, it’s trying to tell you there is a problem with that line and it needs to be fixed. In rare circumstances a circuit breaker will malfunction and not trip immediately or at all. Warning signs include warm outlets, a buzzing sound from your electrical panel, flickering lights or even a burning smell. Call a licensed electrician immediately as a fire is a possibility.

If you have questions about tripping circuits or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call or schedule an appointment – we’ll be happy to help you out. Applewood is open 6am to 10pm 7 days a week to serve you at your convenience with NO overtime charges.