The right thing to do is to use an ammeter on each line after the breaker. If its tripping on a low load, the breaker is likely bad. I've seen where loading a breaker to 80% or more of its capacity for long periods, they fail more than usual. More so if they have been exposed to really warm weather during the heavy loads.
I've seen it several times where the breakers fail. But you won't be sure unless you can get some readings. A clamp style ammeter is a safe way to get amperage readings.
Check all the connector lugs too. Be sure they are all tight and free of corrosion. Poor connections cause voltage drops and voltage drops cause amperage rise.
be careful!
Steve
On 12/28/2011 11:27 AM, sirpackyderm wrote:
The 60 amp breaker keeps tripping for the wood shop. Breaker is in the house. Wood shop is an out building. The breakers in the wood shop never trip. Only the main in the house.
Box in the house is a 200 amp square D QO load center. Box in wood shop is a 150 amp Square D QO load center moved from the house. Conductors from the house to the wood shop are #2 AL rated for 100 amps buried.
The breaker blows even when the load is no where near capacity. Today only the compressor was running 1hp 220 volt and less that 700 watts of lights. The other day it was only the lights.
Is it possible the breaker is simply worn out? I do not know the age of the breaker. But it is at least 21 years old. When I installed the new service in 1990 some of the breaker were reused since we stayed with Square D.
If the shop is running full capacity there could be a 3hp saw, 2hp dust collector, air compressor 1hp, and 1500 watts of light all at once. But usually only one thing at a time unless the compressor kicks on.
Dale in the flat lands any thoughts?
No comments:
Post a Comment