Cause of a Bad Circuit Breaker

Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are used to complete a connection within a building. The wires are run from the breaker to wall outlets and light switches throughout. When a circuit breaker is turned off, it breaks the connection of these wires, and power is lost to the outlets or switches that are aligned with that breaker. A breaker is designed to switch off automatically, if the power pull to that circuit is too great, such as when you plug too many items into a wall socket. Normally the breaker can be turned back on without any issues as soon as all the items are unplugged.

Wear and Tear

Circuit breakers can fail for a number of reasons. One is damaged parts. A breaker is made up of electrical components, a switch, and other moving parts that may be faulty. If a breaker has a defect, then it is doomed from the start. Damaged breakers are normally a result of dirt and grime getting in between the components, a loss of lubrication, or a short circuit in the wires at the breaker.

Short Circuit

A short circuit in the wiring in the house or lightening, might cause a surge of electricity to run through wiring in the home to the breaker. Normally a breaker will switch off as a safety feature and keep the surge from damaging any more of the wiring. Sometimes, however, it can cause damage to the breaker if it is powerful enough, and result in damage that will require replacement of the components.

References

• Circuit Breakers