Ten commonly asked electrical questions
What’s the Difference Between a Fuse and a Circuit Breaker?
Both fuses and circuit breakers serve the same purpose of disrupting the flow of electricity when a fault is sensed. Fuses feature a thin metal strip that melts under excess current, effectively breaking the circuit and requiring replacement once melted. Circuit breakers use a mechanism to trip and halt the circuit when an abnormal condition is detected. While fuses are typically cheaper initially, circuit breakers offer long-term cost savings due to their resettable nature1.
What Is a “Short” or a “Short Circuit”?
A “short” and “short circuit” describe the same problem. When a short circuit occurs, the electrical wire comes into contact with the neutral or grounded conductor wire, generating excessive heat. If you see sparks in your electrical panel, this may indicate a short circuit. Call an electrician immediately for assistance1.
What Is Tripping My Circuit Breaker?
If you’ve reset a circuit only to have the breaker trip again, it’s likely caused by a power-hungry appliance. Space heaters in winter, air conditioning units in summer, or even hairdryers can overload circuits. Sometimes, increasing the circuit’s rating (e.g., from 15 amps to 20 amps) is necessary, but always consult a professional electrician1.
What Is a GFCI Outlet?
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet protects against electrical shock, especially in damp areas. Install GFCIs outdoors, in basements, garages, and near sinks or bathrooms. The “test” button trips the outlet, while the “reset” button restores power. If it won’t reset, call an electrician1.
What Is the Difference Between Conventional Circuit Breakers, AFCI, and GFCI?
Conventional breakers protect against overloads and short circuits. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) detect dangerous arcing in wiring, reducing fire risks. GFCIs prevent shocks by monitoring current imbalance1.
Why Do My Light Bulbs Blow Out Frequently?
High voltage, poor-quality bulbs, or loose connections can cause frequent bulb failures. Check the voltage, use quality bulbs, and ensure secure connections1.
Should I Be Worried About Outlets That Don’t Work?
Non-working outlets may indicate loose wires, tripped breakers, or faulty outlets. Consult an electrician to diagnose and fix the issue1.
How Can I Improve Energy Efficiency?
Use LED bulbs, unplug chargers when not in use, and consider energy-efficient appliances. Proper insulation and sealing gaps also help2.
What Causes Electrical Surges?
Lightning strikes, faulty appliances, or sudden power restoration after an outage can cause surges. Surge protectors safeguard your devices2.
When Should I Upgrade My Electrical Panel?
If your panel is outdated, has insufficient capacity, or frequently trips, consider upgrading to meet modern electrical demands2.
