for the last couple of weeks the trip switch on one of my lighting circuits has been tripping out,i have reset trip and lights have come back on.but tonite the same lights have gone out but the trip switch hasnt tripped. so no lights. why ?
2007-02-22 06:26:41 · 8 answers · asked by big brother 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I would check for a loose connection. The connection might be a terminal screw, or at a splice. Check all screw terminals at the fixtures, switches and any receptacles or other items on the same circuit. Make sure there is only one conductor under a screw, the conductor has no insulation on it under the screw, the conductor is wound clockwise under the head of the screw and the screw is properly tightened.
Check all splices. Most splices are made with "wirenuts", which are twisted over the conductors. Sometimes the wires are loose or broken in the wirenuts. Twist the wirenuts counter-clockwise to remove them, and make sure the conductors are not loose or broken. When the wirenut is put back on, there should be no bare conductor showing.
Make sure the circuit connections at the panel are properly done.
If the above does not resolve the problem, it might be a bad breaker.
Do not do any of the above work with the power on. If you are not experienced or knowledgeable about electrical work / systems, it is best to call a licensed electician.
2007-02-24 05:28:56 · answer #1 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't mention resistors. The cold resistance, measure it with an ohmeter, on the highest scale that gets a measurement value, close enough. It is usually considered as 1/10 to 1/20 of hot resistance. Calculate the hot resistance from the power rating and the voltage rating. The other values come from that. Your values need to be reviewed, they don't look right at a glance. In the real world you would chose a series inductor rather than capacitor, but it has to be large enough physically to handle the inrush currents without saturation. If you limit the current with series R or L it is not much different to a resistor. It will also limit the running current too. You need a control circuit to decrease the value once the lamp starts, like a thermistor does. I don't know a way using resonant circuits, combining L and C, but I could be wrong. That is an approach often used with starting fluorescent lamps with inverters, but they are open and need high voltage on starting, just the reverse of this. Using spice, you have to use a voltage source set to sine wave, and your mains voltage and frequency. This is the power supply. It is often found under the "other components" list. Then you can probe for voltage or current, and an "oscilloscope" probe. It helps to label inputs and outputs. Also if you use "ideal" C and L it may need a bit of resistance like 1 ohm added so it will work. Ideal reactances at resonance get infinite Q, voltage and current. If you want to model the lamp properly you need a formula and look up your spice help. However just using 2 resistance values for the lamp, one hot one cold will be enough to see what happens. Hope this helps.
2016-05-23 23:27:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first question to you would be if you have added any new electrical wiring to that specific circuit? If yes then I would start there. If no then my next step would be to evaluate the breaker itself. You mentioned that the breaker stopped tripping but the lites still went out. To me that sounds like the breaker has been going out. If you have an older type panel such as zinsco then the breaker usually goes out but it also happens on faulty newer type breakers as well. If you are not confident in changing out your circuit breaker then get a licensed electrician to come on out and swap it out for you. The reason why I think it may be the breaker is because if all is existing and it keeps tripping but the load is the same, usually you stay towards power distribution. Also if the breaker wont reset, thats a dead breaker. Good luck..
2007-02-22 16:52:05 · answer #3 · answered by manny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You clearly have a fault somewhere in the circuit and need to check out all the light bulbs and fitments. Look out for signs of heat damage on cables, wires and fittings. Do this with the power off and respect the dangers of dealing with electricity. Once you have isolated the circuit from power unscrew the fittings and check that the wires are undamaged and securely connected. You may find loose wires or damaged insulation is to blame. If you cannot do all this call a qualified electrician
2007-02-22 06:43:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a break in that circuit. without electrical knowledge and equipment you should not attempt yourself. Be safe and call an electrician.
2007-02-22 06:38:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
turn off the affected breaker remove the cover on the panel check to see that the screw that fastens the wire at the breaker is tight. also check the corresponding neutral anchor location for poor connection.
2007-02-23 06:58:26 · answer #6 · answered by oreos40 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check trip again, by switching off and then on again to hear and feel positive action of switch, also check lights (lamps) replace if not ok.
2007-02-26 05:34:47 · answer #7 · answered by John E 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is almost certain that a wire has come adrift. Get an electrician in
2007-02-22 07:09:05 · answer #8 · answered by Professor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋