Thread replies: 5
Thread images: 1
Thread images: 1
File: 1498215986547.jpg (43KB, 350x534px) Image search:
[Google]
43KB, 350x534px
So. If I could get some advice please? I have a socket in the kitchen which tested fine (working) and a light fixture on the back porch with a socket wired in. Also tested fine. But starting today, when I turn the porch light on, and have my fridge plugged into said socket in the kitchen, the breaker trips after 5 minutes. They are on the same breaker and never had problems before. Breaker going bad?
And thank you.
>>
More details needed. Give pictures of breaker and equipment.
>>
If your breaker is tripping and you can still reset it, your breaker is probably fine. Check the output on the wire coming from the breaker with a clamp on ammeter to be sure. Clamp on multimeter/ ammeter will run you about $15 at a harbor freight.
First thing I'd do is vacuum the condenser coil on the fridge. Dirt is a great insulator and your fridge works harder when there is no place for heat to go.
While playing around with the ammeter, you can rule out bad house wiring by unplugging everything and removing all light bulbs on the faulting circuit and checking for any amperage remaining on that circuit.
Don't just get a breaker with a higher trip value. The breaker is protecting the insulation on the wire when it trips. Look inside your toaster if you want to see what high amperage does to tiny wires.
>>
>>1198877
This isn't true. I can't tell you how many times I've had to replace a breaker in a commercial setting because it trips with a load on it that it should handle. You spend an hour looking for a short that doesn't exist, only to find the breaker trips with a 5 amp load.
>>
>>1198879
Ahh, I misread. Yes, if it resets than chances are it's not the breaker. My bad.
Thread posts: 5
Thread images: 1
Thread images: 1