Frequently tripping circuit breakers are incredibly frustrating. The resulting power outages could happen just before the final play of the big game, immediately after putting a week’s worth of groceries in the refrigerator or during any other number of activities.
Continuously malfunctioning breakers can also cause far more serious issues than spoiled food and increased energy bills.
Homeowners should immediately call the professionals at GWE when they smell or see even the slightest signs of burning or arcing in the circuit breaker. Unheeded warnings can lead to extremely dangerous electrical fires.
Many familiar culprits contribute to circuit breakers that won’t hold. They include circuit overloads, short circuits, moisture, and damaged and aging breakers.
The proliferation of devices used by homeowners and their children, including smartphones, voice-activated assistants, gaming consoles, and smart televisions, greatly increase the stress on a circuit box. Space heaters, microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances add to the energy drain.
Short circuits occur when live wires come into contact with other hot conductors or neutral wires. Shorts can immediately lead to a power outage. A continuously malfunctioning breaker especially raises alarm when the conductor is the central breaker, or if the power goes out in several rooms at once.
GWE electricians arrive at the core problems by searching for live wires and other factors, including moisture and damaged insulation that occurs over time. Inspections can also detect improper breaker installation, frayed wires and rodent damage. In addition, GWE experts assess whether appliances have internal wiring issues.
Being vigilant is essential to preventing electrical fires, which pose a unique hazard. These types of fires are very difficult to control and extinguish. They can smolder for hours undetected inside walls and panels, produce impenetrable, poisonous smoke and explosions, and result in instant fatalities. Residents who sense an electrical fire should leave the house immediately and call 911.
Regularly occurring breaker trips also increase electric bills. Power outages happen primarily due to overloaded circuits. Plugging multiple devices into the board, along with air conditioning units, high-use appliances and other items rapidly consumes energy.
The aftermath of resetting the board exacerbates the situation. Refrigerators, cooling units and other items powered by motors, pumps, compressors, and cooling units further drain energy each time they need to restart. Devices also utilize more power through additional recharging time.
While property owners might not notice a big difference in utility bills immediately, they might be stunned by the increases over time.
GWE can right the wrongs and provide homeowners with both a thorough understanding of what caused the outages and a game plan to prevent future problems.
Circuit breakers trip to defend people’s health and property by automatically shutting off electricity when something is wrong. However, a frequently tripping signal is a red flag that screams out for attention.
Residents who take prompt action by reaching out to the professional inspectors at GWE will greatly help protect their health, safety and property, all while increasing energy efficiency and reducing utility bills.