How to Check for a Bad Circuit Breaker
Circuit breakers, also known as safety switches, can be problematic when broken. Most commonly, if a breaker is broken, the wall outlets and electrical fixtures in a room will stop working for not receiving electricity. However, it can also cause more severe matters like a fire. For this reason, it's crucial to test a circuit breaker when there's a reason to believe that it has gone bad. If so, replacing it is best left to a qualified electrician.
Standard circuit breakers can last up to 40 years, but they can also go bad much sooner depending on the use. Here are the steps to find out if a circuit breaker is bad.
Step 1: Turn off appliances.
Before proceeding further, all appliances connected to that particular circuit breaker should be turned off. That's in case there's a short circuit and to prevent surge. If you're not sure what is connected to that circuit, assume that every electrical device in a room is, maybe even those in the adjacent area. For example, two smaller bedrooms may share the same circuit and breaker.
Step 2: Get a multimeter.
Every household should have a digital multimeter. If not, get one. You're not using it in this step but soon. It's the best tool to quickly discover if a bad circuit breaker is cutting off your electronics.
Step 3: Take off the breaker box panel using a screwdriver.
Step 4: Touch the screws with the multimeter.
Connect the multimeter to the screw on the breaker. The red power lead should be touching the screw attached to the breaker with a black wire. The neutral probe on the multimeter should touch the grounded box.
Step 5: Read the voltage.
The reading on the multimeter will show if the breaker is working. If the circuit is open, the multimeter will read no voltage. If it reads no voltage on either position, the circuit breaker needs to be replaced.
If the breaker is working, the multimeter will read close to 115V or 230V, depending on whether the breaker is single-pole or double-pole.
If the reading is fine and you're still not getting power when the breaker is toggled on, the wiring might be the problem. At this point, it's recommended to call in a professional.
Warnings
When testing a potentially bad breaker on your own, keep the following in mind:
Do not, under any circumstances, check the breakers if there's water on the floor.
Turn off all appliances and other electricals connected to that circuit.
If possible, wear rubber-soled shoes.
Notice the warning signs
Continuous tripping, a burning smell, and an appliance that suddenly performs poorly can indicate a bad circuit breaker in the panel. It's essential to notice these signs before a bad breaker causes damage to a device or the whole home.
It's possible to test the circuit breaker without calling an electrician but make sure to follow the steps as described. Always contact a professional when in doubt.
When you need a licensed electrician for commercial or residential electrical needs, call Zimmerman Electric at 310-378-1323.