A tripping circuit can easily cause a fire. It can also destroy your electronic appliances. It is not advisable to try diagnosing the system if you don’t have the expertise. In this article, you will learn what to do and what not to do when a circuit breaker trips.
A circuit breaker is an electrical device that prevents excessive electricity from flowing to your home appliances. A circuit breaker can trip because of any of the following reasons:
- Short-circuiting: This happens when the live wire, also known as the hot wire, interacts with the neutral wire.
- Circuit overloads: It happens when you load a circuit with more power than it can handle.
- Ground fault surges: They happen when there are wiring errors or damages that cause the ground wire to touch the hot wire.
What do you do when the circuit breaker trips?
As noted, a tripping circuit breaker is an indicator of other problems within the electrical unit. You cannot force the circuit. Some people try to hold on to the switch to prevent it from snapping. That is not a good idea.
If you do so, the system will heat to a point where it melts all the surrounding parts. Once they melt, the wires will come into contact. Your actions will destroy the whole panel. If the power surge is significantly high, the system can explode. You will end up hurting badly.
Do this when you have a circuit breaker problem:
Disconnect Your Power from the Main
Instead of trying to power it on again to confirm the circuit is tripping, power off the electricity. Doing so will ensure that you are safe.
You will be safe; you will spare the system, and the risk of causing more problems will reduce. Switch off all electrical appliances connected to the switch. Do not use devices connected to the circuit. The electrical devices that you are using at home can cause problems with the circuit breaker.
Begin the Process of Finding a Reliable Electrician
Once you have taken the precaution, you can begin the process of hiring a professional. Electrical faults do not come singly; they tend to come in pairs. Identify any other electrical fault that you would like fixed. Write down all the electrical issues. If you need to make any upgrades to energy efficient appliances or products, this can be a good time.
What to look for in an electrician
1. Professionalism
Any contracting job in a home setting requires a person you can connect at a personal level. The electrician will work inside your compound for some time. It may just be an hour, but you need someone you are comfortable with when they are around. When looking for professionalism, look out for a person who dresses the part, keeps communication formal, and prepares professional bids or quotes.
A good electrician has the tools and equipment to do all general electrical issues. If someone does not have essential tools, they will struggle to deliver quality at the appointed time. You will end up with a bad experience. Even if you give them the job, they will not inspire confidence and peace of mind. You will have niggling doubts about the quality of the work.
2. Insurance
As said, electrical faults carry a significant amount of danger. The electrician should invest in protective gear and tools of work. On top of that, he should have a workers compensation insurance. In case of a work-related accident, the liability will not be on you.
An insurance coverage shows that the electrician takes his or her work seriously. Some will go further and have work-related insurance. In case of any work-related damages, the coverage will take care of the bill.
3. Licenses
You need a permit to offer electrical services in Miami. There are three types of permits, apprentice, journeyman, and contractor/master electrician license. Each one of them shows the level of expertise and experience.
Only professional people have licenses to operate. A person is qualified to deal with circuit breaker trips in Miami if he meets the electrician’s guidelines for the city. You can have complete faith in a licensed technician.
4. Experience and Consequent Reviews
Every contractor should give you a portfolio that you can use for referrals. Those that have websites or social media accounts are good because you can check their online reviews. If they do not have any online presence, you can use phone calls to ask former clients about their experience with the electrician.
The number of jobs that someone has done can be deceptive. The satisfaction rate can be a better indicator of the electrician’s skillset. It tells you that that the person will do everything in their power to deliver.
5. Standard Rates
Electricians charge hourly. Focus on the craft. Do not dwell on the lowest dollar-rate. An electrician who takes time to prepare you for the appointment can charge more per hour and still deliver the best experience. It takes time to access the panel in some homes. If you can make it accessible before the electrician arrives, you will save a couple of minutes. Your circuit breaker problems may not take a lot of time to fix, but you sure want the experience to be ideal.
6. Interview At Least Three People
For your circuit breaker trips in Miami, you should interview electricians that are nearest to your location. They will take less time to reach your premises, which will translate to value for money in the first hour. They will not take 20 minutes to get to your place. During the interviews, you can request to see licenses, certifications, insurance, and the portfolio.
Conclusion
Now you know what to do and what not to do when a circuit breaker trips. A professional will help you fix all your circuit breaker problems. All you have is to hire a skillful electrician near you.