If you’re already searching phrases like “breaker box not working,” you probably don’t have electricity in your Apex, North Carolina, home right now.
Don’t worry; as the leading electrician in Apex, NC, Tech-on-Deck Heating, Air, & Electric can help you understand your breaker box and how to troubleshoot it. If you’d like some help, you can also call us to handle any electrical issues with a prompt solution.
What Does the Breaker Box Do?
Also known as electrical panels, breaker boxes previously replaced fuse boxes as a method of regulating the electricity flowing throughout a home. These boxes receive electricity from the utility lines and deliver it to the outlets and appliances you’re using. However, when breakers detect a spike in power that could destroy these devices, they shut off the power to that circuit.
A breaker box also protects and organizes the power supply components.
Types of Circuit Breakers
Whether you’re in Beckwith Farms or Sunset Hills, your home likely has one of the following types of circuit breakers:
- Magnetic: An electromagnet shuts off power when it detects a power surge.
- Thermal: Thermal units have metal strips to cut off power. When they become too hot, they bend and disrupt power.
- Hybrid: Hybrid breakers use both electromagnets and metal strips.
- GFCI: You’ll find a GFCI breaker on each outlet in your bathroom and other rooms with water. Specifically, the fitting protects your home against ground faults.
The Most Common Issues With Circuit Breakers
With a breaker box not working, one of the following issues is likely:
Circuit Overload
A circuit overload occurs when you have too many devices plugged into one circuit. It’s important to understand that one circuit can serve multiple outlets. Even if you don’t plug more than one device into each plug, it can still be too much.
An overloaded circuit usually happens when you run multiple appliances with a heavy electrical load together. Some devices, like your air conditioner, should have dedicated circuits. In that case, overloads could happen with old or faulty wiring that can’t handle the electrical needs of modern devices.
Short Circuit
Like water, electricity travels the path of least resistance. A short circuit occurs when two wires touch when they shouldn’t. It can also happen when one wire splits due to damage or has a loose connection.
Short circuits remain one of the most common causes of electrical fires and shocks. If you haven’t checked your outlets for scorch marks or the wiring for damage lately, don’t wait.
Ground Fault
A ground fault happens when electricity enters the ground after leaving its intended path. It often occurs after a surge of electricity through the circuit or where water enters the box to create an unintended pathway for the current. Without a GFCI, this might mean a house fire or even electrocution risk.
With improved technology for fault diagnosis, this phenomenon is becoming less common. However, complying with local ordinances and installing GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens are important preventative measures.
What You Should Do When Your Apex Breaker Box Doesn't Work
Is your Apex home’s breaker box not working? Try the following steps:
Troubleshoot
Now that you know the most common circuit breaker issues, you have some signs of trouble, like a blown fuse, damaged wires, or accidentally overloaded circuits. Describe the problem when you call your electrician.
Identify the Circuit
The electrician may advise that you open your breaker box and look for the tripped breaker circuit – halfway between the On and Off positions.
Test the Breaker
A breaker should have a little bit of resistance when you try to flip it back on. If it moves too easily, you could have a faulty breaker. Do not turn the breaker on yet.
Turn Off Appliances
Next, turn off your appliances to avoid a power surge. Sometimes, restarting your breaker can damage your devices.
Look for Common Issues
Examine your home for any of the following issues:
- The wires in the panel look messy or tangled.
- The panel or nearby wall feels hot.
- Your circuit breakers trip more than just occasionally.
Schedule Service for Your Breaker Box in Apex
Don’t let your breaker box not working concern you if you’re in Apex, North Carolina. The local professionals from Tech-on-Deck Heating, Air, & Electric maintain a perfect five-star rating and a 10-year history of excellence in providing electrical, heating, and AC services in the area. You can rely on us to keep you safe and offer a competitive price, so contact us today to schedule service!