Unfortunately, even the most ideal wiring or the most expensive electrical equipment will soon show a malfunction or fail. And if the circuit breaker "knocked out", and after re-enabling the situation repeated, then a short but very useful algorithm, given below, will help determine the cause.
Why knocks out a circuit breaker
A standard circuit breaker (not a differential circuit breaker) can knock out for three reasons:
- Prolonged heating of a node or whole line. Then the thermal release is triggered - a bimetallic plate in the middle of the device.
- Short circuit. With a short circuit, the electromagnetic coil works and the bag knocks out almost instantly.
- Due to a malfunction of the device itself. But then the machine cannot be turned on at all - the lever simply does not lock in its place.
If, in the event of a short circuit, the response time of the circuit breaker does not exceed several milliseconds, then when heated, a rather long time interval can pass - several tens minutes. These data will greatly help in the initial diagnosis.
How to determine the reason why a circuit breaker trips
A simple algorithm will help you find the fault:
- Determine which machine is knocking out. If this is an input device, then most likely the reason is excessive load - the simultaneous inclusion of several powerful consumers (hob, boiler, washing machine). Or the reason is in the wiring from the introductory bag to the next group of machines (for example, the wire "breaks through" to the body of the shield).
- If the machine is not input, then it is necessary to decide on which line it supplies power. See what exactly does not work in an apartment or a private house when it is turned off.
- Replace the triggered device with a known good one.
- Turn on the machine and note the time after which it will work: if almost instantly - a short circuit, after a while - a gradual heating.
5. Disconnect all consumers of the affected line and re-enable the machine.
6. If the bag is knocked out again, then you need to check the quality of the connections in the sockets. Very often, it is at the point of connection of the outlet that the phase wire comes into contact with the zero wire, which gives such an effect for the circuit breaker.
7. The circuit breaker still knocks out - it's time to move on to checking the junction boxes. Due to poor contact and incorrect laying, the wires gradually heat up, the insulation melts, and all the conductors are soldered together.
8. If the machine still works, then the possible reason is the contact of the conductors inside the wall. For such a finding of a malfunction, the services of a qualified technician will be required.
To find a breakdown in the wall, you will need to disconnect the junction boxes and periodically apply power to certain areas. Without electrical engineering experience behind your back, it is quite problematic to do this.