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A SIMPLE GUIDE FORTroubleshooting
Circuit Breakers

Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, and Prince William Counties.

Circuit breaker issues may be intimidating, but you can troubleshoot problems properly with the correct method.

Step-by-step guide to locating & repairing circuit breaker issues in your house.

Troubleshooting Circuit Breaker Issues

Step: 1

Identify the Problem

Breaker Tripping: Find out if the circuit breaker trips right away after resetting or trips randomly. This could indicate an overload, a short circuit, or perhaps a ground problem.
Persistent Tripping: Note which circuit is affected and which appliances or lighting fixtures are in that circuit.

Step: 2

Reset the Circuit Breaker

Turn Off Appliances: Switch off or disconnect all lights and appliances in the affected circuit to stay away from a quick re-tripping because of overload before resetting the breaker.
Reset Breaker: Find your electric panel, locate the tripped breaker (generally off and in between) and flip it to the “off” position and again to “on.” If it stays on, turn appliances on and find out if the issue returns.

Step: 3

Look for Overloads

Reducing Load: If resetting trips the breaker again, you have way too many devices on one circuit. Try unplugging several appliances and resetting them.
Distribute Appliances: Spread electrical devices over several circuits to lessen load on a single.

Step: 4

Inspect for Short Circuits

Check Wiring: There might be a short circuit if the breaker trips immediately following a reset without load. Examine apparent wiring for damage and wear.
Professional Inspection: For hidden wiring issues, have a professional electrician examine and fix damaged wires.

Step: 5

Investigate Ground Faults

Wet Areas: Ground faults frequently occur in moist places (bathrooms, kitchens). Look for appliances or outlets that were exposed to water.
GFCI Outlets: Test and reset all GFCI outlets on the circuit. Such outlets trip the breaker whenever they identify a ground fault.

Step: 6

Upgrade or Replace Circuit Breaker

Aging Breaker: Circuit breakers will wear out eventually. It might need to be replaced in case your breaker is old or trips randomly.
Increase Capacity: If overloads are common and you’ve minimized your electric load, your home might need a panel upgrade for more circuits or bigger capacity breakers.

Step: 7

Consult a Professional

Hire an Electrician: In case the issue goes on or you feel uneasy carrying out these actions, you should call a qualified electrician. Electrical work is risky and a professional can make repairs safely and to code.

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Always prioritize safety when dealing with electrical issues. Only attempt to repair or inspect wiring if you know the process. Electrical work can be hazardous and is best left to professionals if there is any doubt. Following this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve many common circuit breaker issues, ensuring your home’s electrical system functions safely and efficiently.

FAIRFAX, ARLINGTON, LOUDOUN, & PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTIESGet Help With Your Circuit Breakers!

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