A circuit breaker tripping means that it has detected a faulty condition and automatically shuts off to prevent the wiring from overheating and potentially catching on fire. While this is a great safety measure, it can still be frustrating to have your electric circuits shut off. Let’s take a look at a few common causes.
When the Main Circuit Breaker Trips
The main circuit breaker is what controls power to the entire building. Just like other breakers, the main breaker can trip as well. Although rare, the main breaker can trip due to an issue in a specific circuit. Most likely issues involve lightning strikes, power grid surges, or a system overload.
Overloaded Circuits
Overloaded circuits are the most common cause of circuit breaker tripping. Every circuit can only carry a certain electrical load. A breaker exceeding its max load will cause the breaker to trip.
Powering too many things at the same time or using appliances that require too much power will cause an overload on the system. As a result, overloaded circuits are easy to diagnose when they happen.
Generally, a loss of power as soon as you turn on lights or plug in an appliance is an indicator of an overloaded system. The best thing to do to solve this issue is to unplug a few things and flip the circuit breaker back on. A breaker tripping immediately after this is done is an indication of a more serious problem.
Ground Fault Surges
A ground fault surge occurs when the flow of electricity gets redirected to the floor, such as when a hot wire contacts a grounding wire.
Poorly insulated or damaged wiring along with water inside an outlet can cause a ground fault surge. This kind of fault can be dangerous since someone standing on the ground where the electricity is directed is at a high risk of shock.
Ground fault surges can be identified by a burning smell and discoloration around the outlet. Don’t hesitate to contact a local electrician if you suspect a ground fault to be the reason why your circuit breaker trips.
Short Circuits
Short circuits are less dangerous than grown fault surges but still a bigger issue than just an overloaded circuit. However, they are alike in that they both involve electricity being misdirected.
A hot wire contacting either a neutral wire or any type of metal creates excess heat that will trip the circuit breaker to prevent a possible fire. Symptoms of short circuits include melted coverings on appliance wires, a burning smell coming from the outlet, or discoloration around the outlet.
Your Electrical Expert
Are you experiencing issues with your circuit breakers? New England Electrical can help you find out why. Our knowledgeable experts can diagnose and fix the electrical problems you might be experiencing.
We at New England Electrical are also highly trained in rewiring, lighting, and whole home generators.
Wintertime in the Northeast can be a trying time for homeowners who are unaware of the various home electrical system maintenance items they need to follow. Keeping up with these tasks can ensure your home is safe and functioning properly throughout the season.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your home’s electrical systems during the winter:
Check all of your circuit breakers and GFCI outlets for tripped breakers or other problems. Checking them regularly will help identify any potential issues before they become big, potentially dangerous, problems.
Inspect all wiring connected to exterior outlets and make sure that it is free from cracks or fraying. Exterior outlets are exposed to the elements and must be maintained appropriately to avoid potential hazards.
Regularly inspect all extension cords, power strips, and surge protectors for any signs of damage such as exposed wiring or loose connections. This should be done both inside and outside your home as these types of accessories tend to deteriorate over time due to being used in wet weather conditions and extreme temperatures.
Make sure that all outdoor lighting fixtures remain securely fastened they do so they don’t fall off due to snow or rain build-up on their mounts or socket boxes. Additionally, check that no water has gotten into their sockets causing corrosion buildup and higher resistance between connections
Finally, if you have any carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home make sure that their batteries are changed regularly during the winter months as non-functional detectors are one of the more common causes of fires in homes improperly heated by wood-burning stoves or gas-heating appliances.
By following these basic safety tips, you can ensure an easier winter season by avoiding potentially hazardous situations caused by poor maintenance of your home’s electrical systems. It may take an extra hour each month but this small investment of time could save you thousands in unnecessary repairs down the line – not to mention possibly saving lives!
We’re happy to evaluate your electrical needs and offer a custom consultation for improving your electrical system, safeguarding your home and belongings, and even installing generator power backup for the peace of mind your family deserves. Get in touch with New England Electrical Contracting today.
A Generac generator, like any other generator, requires regular inspections and service. Too often, these generators are installed by those who don’t specialize in servicing them. If they aren’t set to test weekly or annual inspections and maintenance go neglected, the generator’s lifespan will be shortened. Whether you are a new homeowner or have owned a home for many years, generator maintenance can be overwhelming. Here’s what you should know.
Essential Maintenance
Oil filters, air filters, spark plugs, and your generator’s oil needs standard maintenance. Maintenance kits for your specific Generac generator are available to buy so you don’t have to determine what kind of filters, spark plugs, and oil you might need. Of course, you can always opt to purchase parts individually. Maintaining your generator requires tools such as a screwdriver, ratchet, socket wrench, Allen wrench, pliers, spark plug gap gauge, funnel, and drip pan. Always look at the owner’s manual before performing maintenance and wear proper personal protection equipment.
Oil and Filters
When power outages call for running the generator for extended periods of time, oil levels should be checked daily. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to turn off the generator when checking the oil level. If it’s low on oil, top it off with the recommended type of oil, and be sure to change the oil filter. A filter catches the metal fragments and other impurities that can harm your generator. Reusing oil filters will shorten the unit’s lifespan and be costly in the long run. Some generators use fuel filters. Make sure to inspect the fuel filters to see if they appear brittle or dirty but they only need to be replaced as needed. All combustion engines use air filters though so don’t overlook inspecting them. A dirty air filter or one filled with debris may cause a generator to fail if it can’t take in air.
Spark Plugs & Beyond
Spark plugs play a critical role in providing the adequate spark needed to ignite the fuel source in combustion engines. At a minimum, inspect your generator’s spark plugs annually. A great time to check them is during an oil change. Inspect the spark plugs for carbon build-up, appropriate gapping, fractured tips, or other wear.
Other parts on your Generac unit that should be inspected, maintained, or replaced include the fuel regulator, battery, charger, coolant, radiator, alternator, and transfer switches. We don’t recommend making regular inspections or changes on your own. A qualified electrician understands appropriate safety techniques. They can also test the wattage output so the power the generator is generating is powering your home safely. Is it time for your generator to be replaced? Contact your friends at New England Electrical!
Should you replace your electrical panel? This isn’t something that comes up to most homeowners minds unless they’re having an electrical problem that affects day-to-day activities. But it’s always better to prevent problems before they start.
Electrical Panels 101
As you’re probably aware, the electrical panel is also known as a switch box, and is typically a metal box on the lower levels of your house. It houses a number of different switches that “trip” or turn off to protect electrical circuits when overloaded. It’s an important part of your overall electrical system, and you’ll usually find labels on the switches to indicate which portions of the panel are responsible for different areas of your home or commercial property.
How often should electrical panels be replaced?
Even though the electrical panel doesn’t have many moving parts and is very durable, most components of the electrical system will eventually need to be replaced, even if it’s only every 25 years or more. If you live in a newly-built property, it’s probable that you won’t need to worry about your electrical panel for quite a while. However, this question still comes up, so it’s good to know if you need a replacement or not, especially if you live in an older residence that hasn’t had a replacement since the 1990s or earlier.
Defective or old electrical panels are also among the most common causes of electrical fires, so making sure they’re operating well, in good condition, or replacing them with a new one can provide additional protection and peace of mind.
As always, if you’re unsure about whether or not you need to replace your electrical panel (or any electrical component in your home) the friendly and experienced team at NEEC is happy to assist you.
Should I replace my electrical panel myself?
The electrical panel is a central piece of your home’s electrical system. Although there are many DIY guides and YouTube videos on how to do it, we recommend that you only contract a licensed and experienced electrician to service, repair or replace your electrical panel. It’s the safest choice for you and all your appliances.
Can I upgrade my electrical panel?
Sure! Especially if your home or commercial energy needs have changed and you need more amperage for large machinery, appliances, sauna, pool, Tesla wall charger, etc. These new technologies might work better and more efficiently with a more recent model than one from the 70s.
Also, if your home needs more switches and the box is ‘full’ and there is no room for new or upgraded switches, you might find it necessary to upgrade.
How long does it take to replace an electrical panel?
Typically, most electrical panels can be replaced by an experienced and licensed electrician in one day, in four to eight hours. It also depends on some other factors of your particular installation, like if your electrician needs to get to any in-wall wiring to complete the electrical panel replacement. Get an accurate estimate when you get in contact with us to evaluate and consult your particular situation.
Get Electrical Panel Replacement Service Near You
Whether you need an electrical panel checkup, replacement or upgrade, our licensed and insured team of electricians is here to help. Get in touch with us today for quick and friendly service and maintenance!
It’s no secret that electricity is one of our most used utilities. And while electricity brings us some comfortable living, it can be expensive. Here are eight ways your electrician can help you save money:
1. Energy-efficient light bulbs:
Electricians can install LED or CFL blubs throughout your building. Not only do these bulbs use less energy than other lightbulbs, but they can also last ten times longer. Lower electricity bills and not needing to replace the bulbs often sounds like a win-win!
2. Occupancy sensors:
Say goodbye to forgetting to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Electricians can install occupancy sensors to turn the lights off for you. This results in reduced energy consumption and of course, lower electric bills.
3. Solar panels:
Although solar panels may be more expensive initially, they can save you money in the long run. Electricians can assist you in choosing and installing the right fit for your needs. Once installed, you can feel great knowing you’re using inexhaustible, renewable energy without worrying about releasing pollutants into the air.
4. Update your electrical panel:
An outdated electrical panel could increase your electric bills and be a potential fire hazard. This is something you want to leave to the pros. Electricians can ensure your electric panels are not overloaded and install a more energy-efficient model.
5. Programmable thermostats:
Programmable thermostats can set temperatures depending on the time of day. When you’re away or sleeping, you can set lower temperatures. Using an electrician during installation can save you money on heating and cooling costs.
6. Perform energy audits:
Conducting an energy audit is one way to identify ways to save energy and lower electric bills. Once an electrician performs an energy audit, they will be able to recommend how to increase energy efficiency on your property.
7. Seal leaks:
Weatherstripping prevents heat from escaping through crevices in your doors and windows. Using insulation is another way to protect against summer heat and cool winters. Additional air leaks in your building can let heat or cold air escape, driving up costs. Electricians know how to inspect your building to find and take care of leaks, saving you money on heating and cooling costs.
8. Updated appliances:
Older appliances tend to consume more energy resulting in higher costs. Electricians can install ENERGY STAR appliances that use less energy than traditional models to help lower those electric costs.
NEEC can recommend the best steps in your particular situation. Whether residential or commercial electrical work or installation is needed, we’re happy to help you find the solutions that work best for your property, year-round. Contact us today to get started.
