When the power and lights suddenly go dark, you may be dealing with an outage, but it’s more likely that you’ve simply tripped the breaker in your home and need to reset it. Though most people know how to do this and how to avoid it in the first place, you may be wondering what exactly causes it. There are several potential culprits, and if it happens too frequently, an electrical contractor in Fayetteville can address the problem. In the meantime, these three issues may be to blame for your tripped breaker.
Circuit Has Been Overloaded
This is probably the most common cause of tripped breakers. When too much voltage is routed into a single circuit, it poses a risk of damage and even fire. The breaker serves as a protectant by shutting off currents that approach this level. If you find that your circuits are too easily overloaded, however, you can call an electrical contractor in Fayetteville to perform the necessary repairs. This can cut down on trips and minimize inconvenience.
Wiring Is Weak
In some older circuits, the wiring has been worn down, and in its weakened state, is more vulnerable to problems such as overheating and overload. Because a tripped breaker prevents the damage that might be caused, you may not think it is necessary to replace older wiring, but there are other safety risks that it may entail, too. It’s best to hire an electrical contractor in Fayetteville to do a few updates.
Circuit Is Shorted
The wiring in a circuit is complex, and any number of issues can cause danger. One such problem is a short circuit. This refers to what happens when a hot wire comes into contact with a neutral wire. The overload of current that flows will create substantial heat and often trigger the breaker to trip. Shorted circuits cannot be used, so you will need to call an electrical contractor in Fayetteville for repairs. Browse the website for more information.
