A circuit breaker box is an important part of your home's electrical system. It keeps the power running through your home by switching off individual circuits if there is a problem with that circuit, or if more electricity than what the wire can handle is passing through it.
There are many things that can go wrong with your home's wiring, but this article will cover common errors like oversized breakers and overloaded circuits.
Tip 1 - Ensure Your Circuit Breakers are the Correct Size
This is an easy problem to solve. If your breaker panel is older than 10 years, you should call a professional to update it for you. You can also check each of your breakers by turning it off and measuring the amperage that goes through it with an amp meter. Most homes have 15 or 20 amp breaker, but the standard amperage for your box should be labeled on it. You can then use that information to get breakers that are the correct size.
Tip 2 - Don't Overload Your Circuits
If you're noticing that a circuit has stopped working, one of the first things you should do is check the amperage of each breaker on that circuit. Look at what's plugged into those sockets and determine whether it's too much for a single circuit. If there are appliances or electronics drawing power from a specific socket, you might need to upgrade to a 20 amp outlet instead of a 15 amp one.
Tip 3 - Incorrect Polarity
Some older home's wiring systems might have polarity errors, meaning that the positive and negative wires are reversed. This could potentially cause several problems with your home's outlets including improperly functioning electronics or small fires. If you suspect this problem, you should call a professional electrician to inspect your wiring system. If they find anything, they can usually correct
Sometimes, when a breaker continues to trip when it should stay on, you'll need to have your panel looked at. You can't fix this problem yourself; only a licensed electrician will be able to help you get it working correctly again and safety. A new circuit breaker box can prevent these problems in the future and keep your system running safely, efficiently and smoothly.
The circuit breaker box is an important part of your home's electrical system, but it can run into problems. If you suspect your electrical box is experiencing problems, call a professional electrician to inspect the wiring system for any potential safety hazards. B Town Electric is a top electrician serving Western Massachusetts and the surrounding areas. Our services include electrical panel upgrades and replacements, troubleshooting electrical problems, installation of lights, outlets and much more!
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