Function of Circuit Breaker Panels
As a homeowner, you should be familiar with the location of your circuit breaker panel. In most homes, the panel box is located in the laundry area, or basement. Sometimes the panel box is located on the outside of the home. In larger homes, they may be multiple panel box, including the main panel and additional sub-panels. The panel box is usually gray in color and is mounted on a wall. If you open the panel doors, you will see several different circuit breakers. Each of these breakers controls the power input and output of each appliance in your home. The main breaker controls power to the entire home and will shut off power to the entire home.
Most homeowners have experienced a tripped circuit breaker at one time or another. If you are unable to get power to a particular appliance, chances are the breaker tripped. Circuit breakers have an internal spring mechanism that must be reset after a trip condition. To do this, simply move the handle from the tripped to the OFF position, then move it to the ON position. If it was just a momentary overload that caused the breaker to trip, then the breaker should stay in the ON position after being reset. However, if it trips a second time, it’s advisable to leave it off until the source of the problem is identified. Contacting a licensed electrician to investigate the problem is your best course of action in this scenario.
Because tripped circuit breakers can be a common happening, especially in older homes, it is important to label each circuit in the panel box. Labeling each circuit in the panel box can make it much easier and less frustrating in the future.
If you are not comfortable digging into your circuit problems, then you can call 1st Choice Electrical Inc and we will send one of our qualified electricians to review your situation. A simple short circuit today can lead to costly repairs later. Don’t put off finding the problem yourself or calling a professional.
