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Elite

Elite

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How can you tell the circuit breaker is bad? I have one of the line went out on me. I reset the circuit several times but nothing work. I have a feeling it's the circuit breaker but don't know how to test :( .. Please help..
 
Each time a breaker trips, it 'ages'. When it gets too old, it sorta dies.

If nothing is working after resetting (and it isn't because it is constantly tripping), you can measure the conductivity from one terminal to another and make sure it isn't open.
 
sfsuphysics said:
Is there any other plugs/lights on that circuit breaker? If so test on one of those.

Otherwise... yeah I'm not an electrician :D
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LOL Mike.. how do you think I know nothing work??
 
Gomer said:
Each time a breaker trips, it 'ages'. When it gets too old, it sorta dies.

If nothing is working after resetting (and it isn't because it is constantly tripping), you can measure the conductivity from one terminal to another and make sure it isn't open.
Click to expand...

It was replaced not too long ago. The AC guy replaced the old one with this newer one because there is no more room in the panel. So he installed the 2 in one one.. It's one piece but has a 20amp 110V and 30amp 220V.
The thing is it doesn't trip. There is no power on any of the outlets on the 20amp 110V.
 
I'm not an electrician so i would consult one to inspect.

If I understand this correctly, you said the breaker was replace; what used to be one breaker is now two? if so, this is called a half height breaker where they fit two in the location of one. this is where it gets confusing, you say that you have a 120v/20A and a 220V/30A-this cannot be. A 220V would require two positions and you cannot get a mixed amperage breaker as the lower amperage rating would dictate when to trip. Lets assume that it is a 120V/20 (normal for residential with the exception of stoves, dryer, heaters and spa), one of the two switches would be in the center position if the breaker has tripped. To reset a tripped breaker; go from center position to off then to on.

If the breaker is not tripped and you still have no power, check to insure that you do not have a GFCI inline with this circuit. I had a similar problem with a friends house where there was a GFCI in the garage on the same circuit that they forgot to tell me. Without a voltmeter or an electrical tester, troubleshooting whould be difficult.

Hope this helps
 
yeah it's one piece.. one is 20amp 110v the other one is for the AC. It's 30amp 220V. It takes a big section in the panel. There 2 GFCI outlets on the line and I did make sure they are resetted. I don't think they are inline with the other outlet though. I have a multi meter but not sure where to test. I don't want to shock myself to dead LOL ..

I guess I will call the real electrician. Maybe I can upgrade to a bigger panel and 200amp at the same time. Thanks guys!
 
I would suggest upgrading load center.

Question, do you feel any heat on the tripped breaker? Does it wiggle a lot? smell? taste? wait, scratch those last two off :lol:
 
Just make sure you stand on a piece of wood when you put your tongue to it... also have your wife with 911 on hold and your insurance card handy :D
 
you have three breakers. Two half height breakers and one single. the 220v/30a (half height) is for your air conditioner (AC) so lets not focus on this.

Re.the single brkr: Once you remove the deadmans panel, you should have a black wire connected to it; this is your hot, take you meter and set it for AC volts and touch one lead to this wire and the other one to the ground wire in the panel (identified by a green color nut or a bare wire). if the breaker is working and on, you should see a voltage reading between 118v-123v.
 
Elite said:
I was gonna use a tub full of water..
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That'll be fine since it's not grounded ;) Second you put a foot to the ground you'll taste metal though...and get that nasty smell :(
 
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