*
15A breaker has the following on it; a TV, a clock radio, and a computer. When either an Iron or Vacuum is plugged into circuit, the breaker trips. Have replaced breaker and that did not solve problem. Next thing I am going to do is hood up ammeter to line and unplug devices individually to see if I get a noticeable drop (as well as see exactly how much is on line). Any suggestions as to what to do after that?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Prescriptive codes don't address the connection at less common angles, so base the connection off more typical ones using bolts, structural screws, blocking, and steel tension ties.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
Peter,
I'd say the breaker is doing its job. Say, 300-400 W for the PC, that's 3+ amps; radio @ 100W is another amp; TV maybe 3 amps, and you're up to 7+ amps. Now kick in a 1000W iron or a vac at 10+ amps, and the circuit is overloaded. You'd need to upgrade the circuit to 12-GA wire with a 20A breaker, or else limit the items on the circuit.
Tom
*Peter,You are on the right track. I would use a clamp on amp meter if you have one. They are fairly inexpensive ($30+) at HD for a digital.Another thing you might check is each of your recpticals. Check both the hot and nuetral wires to ground with nothing on the circuit. You should read 120v on the hot and zero volts onthe nuetral if there is no load on the circuite. The presents of any voltage on the neutral at this point would indicate a bad recptical some where on the circuit. i have seen this happen in older homes. Not enough stray voltage to trip a breaker under a light load, but as soon as the load increases it will trip.If you use a clamp on meter at the panel box, record each recpt. seperately and agian as you add additional loads to them. While you have got the cover off the panel, also take your suspect appliance reading on that circuite and another different circuit. If theyare radically different, it indicates the problem is the circuit.Dave
*Also check for backwired receptacles on the circuit. A bad connection at these receptacles will easily cause a problem such as yours.
*Peter,Tom is probably right,TV's, irons, and vacuum cleaners are all power consuming devices.You just have too much load on the circuit. If you can't plug things in in different places, then you need to add circuit(s).Barry