Section 8 --- Electrical Systems - House
The Executive 2005
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Branch circuit breakers supply AC power to the different items or “loads.” Should a breaker “trip”
from over current use, or a short circuit condition, the load should be tested or disconnected to
determine the reason the breaker tripped. If no cause is found, or not readily apparent, reset the break-
er by toggling the breaker to the OFF position, then back to ON. Should the breaker trip again after
the load is re-applied, there may be a fault with that particular load. Do not continue to reset break-
er until the problem has been diagnosed and corrected.
Circuit Breaker
The internal configuration of the circuit breaker is designed to trip when excess current causes the
breaker to heat up. The trip action of the circuit breaker can occur within milliseconds due to the speed
at which electricity can travel. Breakers are designed to operate at a continuous load of 80% of the
breaker’s rated capacity. For example: A breaker with a 20 Amp rating will operate a continuous 16
Amp load. This design leaves a small amount of working capacity within the breaker. When an induc-
tive load is applied, such as when an electric motor turns on, the motor starts to spin and current con-
sumption may momentarily exceed the rated capacity of the breaker. As the electric motor comes up to
operating speed, the electric motor’s current consumption will decrease. The AC current load then falls
back into the breaker’s rated 80% set point. This electric principle should be kept in mind when using
anything other than 50 Amp shore service and using appliances with electric motors, such as air
conditioners. When using outlets, care should be considered when applying loads such as electric
motors, heaters, coffee makers, toasters, hair dryers or other large current consuming loads. The current
rating is usually stated on most electrical items. The current rating will either be rated in amps or watts.
Current ratings stated on electrical items will change slightly with voltage fluctuations. As voltage
increases, current consumption decreases. As voltage decreases, current consumption increases. This
may explain why in some instances items operated at borderline voltage to current tolerances may seem
fine in one location but problematic in another.
NOTE:
To calculate watts to amps simply divide the watt figure by the voltage of which the
item operates from. For example: The electrical item is rated at 1370 watts. Divide
that by the operating voltage of 115 Volts which equals 11.913 Amps. Use this for-
mula to calculate the amount of load to the available power supply.
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