In this post, you’ll learn how to test a circuit breaker with a multimeter and why a circuit breaker cannot control the current supply.
A circuit breaker is an essential device that controls overloading in a current. A circuit breaker controls the current and keeps our home appliances safe from overloading.
Let’s explore further:
How to test a circuit breaker with a multimeter?
You can check your circuit breaker easily by testing the circuit breaker with a multimeter.
Before testing, you must know what tools we have.
Tools Required
Whenever you want to test the circuit breaker with a multimeter, you must have the given two tools.
- Screw Driver
- Multimeter
These are the tools that are essential for the testing of the circuit breaker.
Safety Precautions
There are a few precautions that you have to follow while testing the circuit breakers.
- Firstly, make sure that the area should be dry. If there is water, it may cause electrocution.
- Wear precautionary equipment
- Shut off the main breaker
- Open the circuit box with a screwdriver.
- After opening the circuit box, check which circuit breaker is to be tested.
- Turn off all the lights and appliances connected to that circuit breaker.
Continue Testing
To test the circuit breaker set the multimeter to AC voltage setting.
Connect one probe to the breaker’s terminal screw (live wire connection in breaker) and the other to the Ground screw.
Evaluate Results
You will get 120 or 240 volts if the circuit breaker works well.
Suppose your multimeter gives you a zero or low voltage reading. In that case, it’s time to change the circuit breaker as it hinders maximum current flow, possibly due to broken wires or a burnt component.
The above-given steps are the easiest method to test the circuit breaker using a multimeter.
How to tell if a circuit breaker is bad?
It is easy to tell that the circuit breaker is going too bad. Here are a few symptoms that can help you know if your circuit breaker is bad.
- Short circuit
- Power overloaded
- Interruption with appliances
- The breaker does not reset
- Burning smell
- Hot to touch
- It May cause a fire in the circuit.
If your circuit breaker shows these signs, then keep in mind that your circuit breaker is getting worse.
Frequently asked questions
Here is some frequently asked question that people search about a circuit breaker.
How long do circuit breakers last?
According to CPSC, Circuit breakers last between 30 to 40 years.
What are other methods of testing the circuit breaker?
There are many other methods of testing the circuit breaker.
- Functional test
- X-Ray test
- Insulation test
- Contact resistance test
Can we replace a 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker?
Yes! You can replace a 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker.
Conclusion
A circuit breaker is an essential component of your home electrical system; if there’s a fault, you may face a disturbance in the system.
In this article, we discussed testing a circuit breaker with a multimeter. After reading this article, I hope you can quickly test your circuit breaker with a multimeter.
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