A power circuit breaker is a piece of equipment used to turn on and off electric currents on power transmission and distribution networks to perform routine operations and protect other equipment.
If a circuit breaker fails to operate due to a lack of preventive maintenance, an electric transmission system can be broken up and equipment destroyed.
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Its name, circuit breaker, clearly indicates its function. It destroys electrical circuits. It mechanically separates two points in the circuit by a sufficient distance to interrupt the flow of electric currents. It is also used to protect almost every building’s electrical system.
Like any other device, a circuit breaker must be cleaned and maintained to remain in good working order. Before inspecting or repairing a circuit breaker, it should always be turned off. Consider the following tips on how to maintain a circuit breaker.
- Visual and mechanical inspection
A simple visual inspection is an excellent way to identify physical problems such as insufficient lubrication, overheating, or loose connections. Inspect the following components:
- The housing and overall condition
- grounding and anchorage
- correct operation of any protective devices
- Testing
Testing your circuit breaker first is so important. This tests the trip system by passing 300 percent of the breaker’s rated continuous current through the poles. Tripping times, which other environmental factors can influence, are less important than the circuit breaker’s ability to open automatically. Also, ground-fault delay testing can assure that the timing is right.
- Resistance to Insulation
An insulation resistance (IR) test is easy to check the insulation material’s integrity. Its purpose is to resist current flow and keep it within the conductor. Insulation degrades over time, whereas sound insulation can maintain high resistance levels.
- Timing
Timing a circuit breaker ensures that it operates properly. It varies depending on the type of breaker. A timing test protects a circuit breaker from damage, as incorrect operation of a circuit breaker can have fatal consequences for connected equipment and substation personnel.
- Cleaning
Aside from routine maintenance, proper cleaning can help prevent these issues by removing rust, dirt, grime, and other foreign materials. If these substances accumulate inside a breaker for an extended period, they can lead to blown fuses, interrupted currents, or fires.
Cleaning a breaker should only be done by a trained, experienced professional equipped with the necessary tools, such as a grounding mat, anti-static wristbands, and non-abrasive cleaning materials that will not remove plating or insulation.
- Over Potential Testing
This test is similar to the IR test but is more commonly performed on medium- and high-voltage breakers. It entails passing a high DC voltage through an insulation system, stressing it, and exposing moisture, dirt, and weak insulation. Doing the overpotential test is also used in vacuum breakers, but a specific test set must be used, or the vacuum bottle will be destroyed.
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Electricians Service Team can be your one-call-away contractor, dispatching an expert as soon as possible to assist you.
Should I Replace a Tripping Breaker?
We’ve all experienced tripped circuit breakers. They’re inconvenient and always occur at inconvenient times. Circuit breakers regulate the flow of electricity in a circuit. The circuit is opened to stop the current flow if it exceeds a certain threshold. They are an essential component of your home’s electrical system. And when it trips, it may be having some issues.
If you don’t have any idea how to fix the problem, rely on our experts at Electricians Service Team to provide you with the best circuit breaker installation service.
If the breaker is tripping and overloaded, it can cause a fire. So, it is very important to replace a circuit breaker if it is tripping, so here are the following steps on how to replace a circuit breaker:
- Make sure that the floor and surroundings are dry.
Water should be kept away from living wires and sockets as a general rule of electrical safety. Water and electricity in the same location can be dangerous. As a result, before attempting to replace your circuit breaker, ensure that the floor and surrounding areas are dry.
- Take note of the Identification Number.
It would be best if you had a new circuit breaker that is the same size, shape, and brand as your existing one, which is no longer operational. It’s from the same manufacturer as your breaker panel. The reset lever will reveal its identification number. Purchase a breaker with the exact specifications because only a circuit breaker with the same specifications can connect to the holder accurately.
- Turn off the main power.
You may have seen a professional replace a circuit breaker without turning off the power. Don’t make the same mistake. As a beginner, you should always turn off the power. When you turn off the main power, you ensure no electricity reaches the hot bus bars. Otherwise, the current flowing through the service panels could be hazardous to your health.
- Remove the breaker panel cover plate.
Begin by removing the panel cover plate’s corner screws. Leave the middle screws in place for the time being. You can also remove the middle screw while holding the cover panel from the corners. In this case, you can prevent the cover plate from falling this way. Carry out this procedure slowly and carefully.
- Disconnect the faulty circuit breaker.
In order for you to disconnect the faulty circuit breaker, you have to separate the black insulated circuit wire that is connected to the breaker from the panel’s side. You can now grab the breaker’s edge and pull it outward while rotating it. In a few rotations, you should have the breaker in your hand.
- Disconnect all wires.
If you are replacing a circuit breaker, additional wires, such as a neutral circuit wire and coiled white wire, connect to the faulty breaker. These wires are used to connect the breaker to the bus bar. To remove the wires from the lug, loosen the screw set.
- Call a Professional if Needed.
If the outlets connected to the new breaker are not receiving power, you may need to contact a professional to resolve the problem. Good news! Electricians Service Team is the right company to call! We have nearly a lot of electricians on staff who are well-equipped and licensed to handle any project.
So, if you want to experience the best home safety switch installation and electrical services, don’t hesitate to contact Electricians Service Team and schedule an appointment.
