Hi, all,
I have an electrical panel that seems to have way more than its share of popping circuit breakers. Two are GFCI c/b’s (one interior bath, one hot tub). It also has a heat pump circuit that seems to pop the c/b a lot (once every two or three weeks). When I’ve had one of these, I’ve occasionally noticed a buzzing sound in the panel until I reset the breaker.
The question, “Is this a problem or am I just imagining one?”
Replies
The heat pump breaker needs attention. It may be defective, or have a poor connection. And sure as can be it will fail on the coldest night of the year. The other problems are probably typical of GFCI breakers.
Yes, it is a problem. Have it checked ASAP!
One thing you can quickly check yourself: the neutral wire from the pole to the weatherhead (the "cable" that the two hot lines are wrapped around, assuming you have an abrove ground service.)
If it is broken, called your service provider's emergency number NOW. They will be out tonight!
Don't delay, it might not be serioius, but maybe it is!
_______________________
"I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different." Oscar Wilde
Without knowing any details I suspect you may have one or more of the following: A bad breaker or connection to the breaker. One or more lugs or connections to the lugs going bad. One or more breaker to buss bar connections are bad.
All of these are bad and likely to only get worse, cause more damage and make the repair more difficult and expensive. Call in the electricians. A good electrician should be able to inspect the panel for damage, do a voltage drop check of all connections, check for heat build up, drop the breakers to inspect the buss bar if it seems necessary and get it all done in well under an hour.
That done you will have an idea of the cause of the problem, the extent of damage and a game plan to make everything right. The sooner you get this done the less you pay. These conditions don't usually correct themselves. Prayer, lighting of candles, sprinkling of holy water, or sacrificing the neighbors cats might help but don't bet the farm on it.
On the low end you have a loose connection that hasn't caused any real damage. A 15 minute job. On the high end the buss bar has been severely damaged making replacement of the panel your best bet. Whatever electricians charge for a whole day. I suspect that heat is building up causing the breakers to trip. Either way you need to get this looked at. You need trained eyes on site.
If nothing is wrong have the electrician tighten and/or clean and reland any questionable connections even if they are causing no problems yet. This is especially important with aluminum feeders. This service is cheap insurance. This should be done with all panels every year or three to catch problems early when they are still small and easy to handle.
Thanks for the answers, I'll let you guys know what happened after the electrician comes out.
I would love to hear what you find and how this works out.
So few post back with what worked. Some times, on those cold days when nothing goes right, I get the feeling I would do better painting random comments on sheets of plywood and pointing them at the nearest highway.
Get his looked at. Odds are it is a minor problem easily fixed. Best of luck to you.
I can understand that, probably lucky so many stay around and help. Especially since the questions tend to repeat themselves.
I think it's the non-construction discussions myself :-)