What Causes Your Circuit Breaker to Burst

Circuit Breakers are electrical components designed to protect us against the risks of electric shock and our homes against fire and other types of damage that can be caused by electrical faults. Each circuit breaker in your electrical switchboard typically protects one or more related circuits against overload, short circuit and earth leakage.

There are only 3 very simple reasons why circuit breakers trip:

Overloaded Circuits – The Main Reason a Circuit Breaker Trips

Have a look around your house at all the socket outlets. How many appliances are plugged into each socket outlet? Chances are you’ve got more than the circuit is designed for. Our increasing use of electrical and electronic devices puts more pressure on our electrical installations every day – sometimes to the point where the amount of electricity we use exceeds the amount that the circuit can safely give us without overheating or getting damaged. When this occurs, the circuit breaker in your switchboard will disconnect the circuit from the electrical supply.

Short Circuits – When Things Go Really Wrong

Whether you’re digging in the garden for the great new flower box, or drilling a hole in the wall to put up that lovely family picture, each time you make changes to the house you run the risk of damaging electrical cables concealed behind walls or in the soil. When you drill a hole through a cable or cut it with a spade, direct contact occurs between the individual wires in the cable. This is known as a short circuit. Electrical cables are not designed to withstand the current flowing in such a short circuit situation. In cases such as this, the short-circuit protection mechanism in the circuit breaker disconnects the electricity supply to ensure that the cable does not melt or catch fire.

Earth Leakage Currents

Sometimes known as ground fault current or residual current, this is electricity that flows from the electrical installation to the ground or other conductive materials of the house. Electrical systems are designed to pass current between the live conductors of the installation. When appliances like kettles, refrigerators and washing machines become faulty, they can allow current to flow through their metal parts into your body and down to the ground. This is a dangerous situation known as an earth leakage. Certain types of circuit breakers known as Residual Current Devices or Ground Fault Current Interrupters trip when they detect this current flowing to the ground to protect you from electric shock.

How Can I Tell If My Circuit Breaker Has Gone Bad?

You may think it’s gone bad, but circuit breakers trip to protect you from electrical issues short circuit, overloaded circuit) that could cause fires. So first we want to rule out these common problems before jumping to the conclusion that the breaker is faulty.

Step 1: Identify what circuit the breaker is protecting

Go to your circuit breaker panel and look for one of these 2 things:

• A label next to the breaker that’s tripping
• A sheet on the circuit panel’s door

These will tell you what circuit this break is protecting.
Once you know that, you need to…

Step 2: Unplug all electrical devices on that circuit

You want to rule out the case of an overloaded circuit (a circuit that has more amps flowing through it than it can handle). So unplug lamps, TV components, computer components and the like that are on that particular circuit.

Step 3: Reset the circuit breaker

When you flip the breaker, you should hear a definite click.  If the switch flops back and forth and there is not definite “on” or “off” position, the breaker is probably bad.

How Do You Know If a Circuit Breaker Has Tripped?

If power has gone off in a certain area of your home rather than all over the house, the problem may be a tripped circuit breaker.  Electrical circuits of your home are protected by either circuit breakers or fuses.  All homeowners should know the location of their electrical panel or fuse box, and the opening should be easily accessible and not blocked by shelving, boxes or furniture. If each circuit breaker or fuse isn’t already labeled, take the time to identify each switch or fuse and the particular area it controls. This will save you time and effort if a circuit or fuse trips/blows. If there are two breakers or fuses for one area, such as the kitchen, take care to detail which part of the kitchen each of the two switches controls.  For example, you might label one switch “kitchen appliances” and the other switch “kitchen counter outlets” or other designations as appropriate.

If a circuit breaker trips because it has exceeded its maximum amperage, the switch handle will have moved between the on and off position and may show a red area alerting you that it has tripped. Depending on your electrical panel, sometimes the “trip” causes only a slight movement of the handle, and you’ll have to look closely at the switches to discern which one has tripped.

Circuit Breaker Warning Signs

We care about maintaining the value of your home, so make sure you’re aware of these circuit breaker warning signs:

1. Burning Smell in the Electrical Panel

One way to tell if you need a circuit breaker replacement is to sniff around and see if you smell a burning odor coming from the panel. If so, that means the wires and insulation have become overheated. Ultimately your circuit breaker is failing to protect your home from an electrical short elsewhere. Shut off the main power to the house immediately and call an electrician for an emergency service before it’s too late.

2. Breaker Will Not Remain Reset

After several months of resetting your circuit breaker, it might seem like it won’t stay on for a period of time. Boom, warning sign number two. This means the circuit breaker has failed, so hire an electrician to check the entire circuit. He’ll be able to diagnose it and ensure no further damage was done to the wiring.

3. Physical Damage

Seeing scorch marks around your circuit breaker, outlets, or other electrical appliances? Then that means the wiring has melted and failing. There’s a good chance your electrical panel breaker needs immediate service. A melted wire is one bad step away from your whole home lighting on fire. Call an electrician immediately and unplug all fixture from that circuit breaker.

4. Breakers Tripping Frequently

If it seems like every time you turn on an electrical appliance, your circuit breaker starts tripping, then you’re dealing with an outdated breaker. Circuit breakers are designed to trip when too much power is being drawn through it. It’s very frustrating dealing with a tripping circuit breaker. Each time you turn on your microwave or vacuum, you’ll find out immediately whether your breaker is tripping and if it’s ready to fail. Call an electrician who will determine whether it’s a bad breaker or if you need to add a circuit to your home.

5. Old Age

Another warning sign of a failing circuit breaker is simply if it’s too old. Circuit breakers are supposed to last for decades. However, if you’re regularly checking your breaker or haven’t had it inspected in a while then it could very well be failing without you knowing it. Having an electrician inspect your panel is a wise investment, especially for those of you who haven’t done so in the past 10 years…

Ground Fault

A particular type of short circuit, a “ground-fault,” occurs if a hot wire comes in contact with a ground wire or a metal wall box or touches wood framing members. Ground faults can be especially dangerous when they occur in areas with high levels of moisture, such as kitchens or bathrooms, or in outdoor locations. A ground fault carries a definite risk of shock.

There are steps you can take to identify and fix a ground fault, but also essential steps you should take to prevent one from occurring in the first place. For example, in areas where direct contact with the ground or water is possible, building codes may require that outlets be protected with GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters).

As with hard shorts, a ground fault causes an instant reduction in resistance and an immediate increase in electrical flow. This causes the internal mechanism of the circuit breaker to heat up and trip. As with hard shorts, if a ground fault is present, the circuit breaker may trip again immediately after you reset it.

Residential Electrical Explains Converters and Voltage

Many people who travel to or from the United States run into problems when they try to use electronics like a laptop or hair dryer. This is because the American 110 volt power system is different than the European 220 volt electricity. Without a converter, devices can fail or become damaged. Even the electrical system in use can be damaged. Always use caution when operating devices in another country and check the voltage before plugging them in.

Voltage Difference between US and Europe

The United States is one of the only countries that currently use the 110 volt / 60 hertz electrical system. Most countries use a higher voltage system that handles 220 volts at 50 hertz. Appliances and electronics in these countries are designed to only work with the electrical system in that area. Because the voltage in Europe is twice that of the American system, plugging American devices into a European electrical system without a converter can destroy the device and even cause a fire. Devices intended for the 60 hertz cycle may not be able to function on the 50 hertz system as well.

Using Products Abroad

Using your devices in another country often requires the use of a converter. To see if the device needs a converter, check the information panel. Many manufacturers design electronics to work with range of voltages and these products will list acceptable input levels as 110-240 volts. If a specific voltage is required, the item needs a converter to work outside this range. Always look at the wattage requirement of the product before buying a converter. A residential electrician can recommend a good converter that has a higher wattage rating than the device, which prevents malfunction.

Advantages of the 220 Volt System

Although it has more safety risks, the 220v system used throughout Europe can reduce energy use and the electrical load.

There is no clear winner between the 110 volt and 220 volt electrical systems. It is important to remember the differences and risks, however, when traveling to a different country. Using electrical devices on a system they were not made for can cause fires or cause the device to malfunction or break. A trained residential electrician can recommend the right converter to use electrical items on any voltage system.

How do I increase voltage in my home?

You need to find out if the AC voltage to  your house is “normal” or if it has drooped to a lower value due to large current demand in the neighborhood.  It is the task of the power company to supply the normal voltage to your house.  If it is too low, they need to fix something.  In principle you could use a step-up transformer to raise the voltage, but a transformer big enough to handle the load current of an air conditioner could be expensive.  I would not try that first. 

Now, if the voltage to your house is normal, you may have an air conditioner that is intended for use with a different voltage.  Like trying to run a 220V input unit from 110V (if you are in the USA).  Or maybe the air conditioner has a leak and has lost coolent.  More input voltage won’t help with that.

How to Convert 120v to 240v? Voltage Converter Application

120V (110v) outlet can power virtually any standard device you can imagine, from tiny handheld electronics to large appliances. However, the item you want to use may require the higher 240V (220v, 230v) outlet. Fortunately, converting your outlet from 120V to 240V is a relatively simple project. Moreover, buying a reliable voltage converter will make the job even easier.

Gather Your Tools, and Turn Off the Power
The tools needed to convert an 120V wall outlet to a 240V outlet include screwdrivers, a neon voltage tester, and a black marker. You also need a 240V receptacle and a double-pole circuit breaker. Turn off the power at the main circuit breaker to avoid electrocution while you are working. Even with the power off, the terminals and wires on the main breaker carry an electrical charge, so you should never touch them for any reason.

Remove and Disconnect the Outlet Breaker and Wires
Locate the specific terminal that governs the 120v outlet, and loosen it with the screwdriver. Next, remove the wire connected to the terminal. Carefully pop the breaker off of the panel, and set it aside. Locate the neutral terminal by following the white wire, and loosen the screw. Pull the wire off the bus bar, and color the last few inches of the wire with your black marker. This makes the wire easier to identify and easier for our 120v to 240v converting job.

Install the Double-Pole Circuit Breaker
Hook the two tabs on the back of the 120v double-pole circuit breaker to the lock bar inside the breaker panel. Press the tabs firmly, and immediately switch the new breaker off. Locate the two terminal screws on the new breaker and loosen them. Slide the wire previously connected to the old breaker into one terminal and tighten it. This step must be done carefully, in order to achieve 120V transform to 240V.

Install the 240V Receptacle
Slide the prongs of the neon voltage tester into the existing socket to ensure it does not contain a current. If the lamp on the tester doesn’t light up, you can proceed. Remove the screw holding the 120V outlet cover in place, and pop it off. Remove the screws holding the receptacle in place, and slide it out of the electrical box. Remove the white, black, and ground wires from the receptacle by loosening the screws on the corresponding terminals. Locate the green ground terminal on the new outlet, wrap the end of the ground wire in a clockwise U-shape around the screw, and tighten it firmly. After this step, we finally managed the operation of 120V to 240V converting.

Test the Device
Turn the power back on at the main service panel, slide the prongs of the neon voltage tester into the new socket, and test to ensure it is working. Additional lamps will light up to indicate the new, higher rating. Be sure that the new breaker only covers the new 240V outlet, since more coverage can cause electrical or operation problems with additional powered components. Now, you can safely use your appliance on the 120V to 240V power outlet.

How do I know if my device is single voltage?

If you see something on the power label that looks more like 110V AC or 120V AC, it’s a single voltage device. Single voltage devices require a plug adapter AND a voltage converter and/or a transformer for international travel. To determine now what model of converter you’ll need, you will have to figure out the wattage of your device and purchase a voltage converter that complements that. Read on for all you need to know about watts.

Watts: Watts (W) measure how much power a device uses. You can find out the wattage of your device by looking for the W on the power label.

A low-watt range is typically 23W to 50W, which is usually the wattage range of the most common travel electronics. But many heating devices needing a higher setting can consume between 1000W and 2000W. You need to know the wattage of your device in order to determine the appropriate voltage converter to purchase so look on the indications label of your device for the W to get this information. Then, be sure to buy a converter with a wattage rating that is two to three times higher than the device you plan to operate in order to safely convert. For example, for an appliance rated at 400 watts, you should get a converter that is at least 800 watts.

What Would Cause Low Voltage in House Wiring?

One of the most common causes of low voltage is the overload of the system. Different times of the day, such as early afternoon, are typically high demand times. As is well known, hot days and weeks of the summer can cause a surge of power demand for air conditioners, a very power hungry set of machines. When the power company detects a large surge in demand, it will engage in the standard 5 percent reduction in power per home in a region. This can be a cause for under- or weak voltage.

Less well known is the concept of distance. Utility Systems Technologies in New York issued a paper in September 2009 dealing with both the causes and solutions to low voltage issues. One of the claims made is that homes at a great distance from the main power plant or generator will receive a lower amount of voltage than homes that are closer. This is particularly the case in spread-out rural areas. The problem here is “low load density.” This means that electricity must travel farther. In urban areas where people live close together, the increased density of “thickness” of the electrical signal is conducive to higher, or at least more regular, voltage per home.

How To Choose The Right Packaging For Your Product

When it comes to choosing the right packaging material for your product, you can’t go wrong by paying close attention to the details. After all, packaging may just be one of the biggest factors in making your product a success.

The right packaging not only attracts consumers, it will keep your product safe in transportation and keep it fresh. This reinforces the quality of the brand and item when customers know they can count on a fresh item from when it hits the shelf to when it’s in their hand.

Packaging Budget

Before you begin any packaging endeavor, you must determine the scope of your budget. This will determine what kinds of materials you can use, and what you can spend making your design as enticing as possible.

Packaging Transportation

Once you have decided on the package design, it’s time to consider function. No matter how amazing the design, if the package doesn’t function properly, it will do you no favors.

Packaging Materials And Sustainability

When it comes to packaging materials, it’s a good rule of thumb to treat your products like you would treat yourself. Just as you would not want to live in a home that is too big or too small, the right space for the right packaging has great effect on the end result.

Tips for Choosing the Right Packaging Company

When selecting a packaging company, you want a partner you can rely on. Ideally, the company will have all the services and features your company needs; however, bear in mind these needs can change as your company grows and evolves

Quality Packaging

A high quality final product should be a top criteria and priority. Ensure that your packaging company will be using effective processes and procedures to calibrate, control and maintain high standards. Do they perform regular inspections, measurements and tests of their equipment?

Intuitive Customer Service

Customer service should go beyond just meeting your needs today; look for a package design and production company that’s committed to exceeding your expectations now and planning for your success in the future.

Experienced in Graphic and Structural Design

Your packaging company should be experienced in a range of key packaging capabilities and solutions. From retail packaging and displays to industrial packaging and engineering design expertise, Victory Packaging can meet any range of needs. A full-service packaging company, like Victory Packaging, can better serve you in every phase of your company’s growth and development.

A Range of Materials and Processes

Be sure your packaging partner is well-versed in paper substrates, structures, and styles. They should be able to facilitate ideal graphics integration and printing processes. Victory Packaging features a team of in-house structural engineers to assist you in all phases of ideation, concepting, design and rendering. Structural prototypes, animations, 3D renderings, and final artwork can all be provided to ensure high-quality results.

The Ultimate Guide: How To Choose the Right Packaging for Your Product

The way your product is packaged plays a surprisingly key role in how consumers respond to it. Good packaging can elevate your brand, justify a high price point, and serve as a key distinction between yourself and your competitors — and that’s just the beginning.

To understand why packaging is so important, you have to understand what your packaging communicates. There are a few fundamental elements of your product packaging: shape, design, materials, colors, and text. Each element communicates something about your brand both on its own and in relation to the entire package.

Determining the Basics of Your Package Design

Before you can select the best packaging for your product, you need to make some decisions up front.

What material do you want to use?

Your choice of material is one of the most important parts of your packaging design. Whether you go the paper or plastic route depends on your brand’s style and the product itself, though keep in mind that, overwhelmingly, consumers prefer paper packaging. 68% of consumers say they’re more likely to choose a product in a paper or cardboard package versus a plastic package, and 63% say paper packaging makes a product seem more high-quality.

How will your product be transported?

Durability is tantamount to successful packaging, and function and ease of transport should be considered when coming up with your package design. You don’t want to design original and eye-popping packaging only to have it lose its shape before it gets to its end location.

How to Choose the Best Contract Packaging Services

A contract packaging service, also known as a co-packer, is an organization that provides supply chain services such as warehousing pick-and-pack, equipment rental, and more. These companies can provide businesses with total turnkey solutions, or labour. Outsourcing your packaging and warehousing operations with a custom packaging company can benefit your business in many ways. But, before you settle on a co-packing company, it is important to make sure it is aware of your needs. By informing the contract packager of your goals, you’ll be able to discuss and identify if they are the right team for you to work with. Here are three important aspects to consider when choosing a contract packaging company.

Flexibility and Co-Packing of Packaging Service

Packaging and repackaging in the supply chain will always go through changes, and the co-packer should be able to guarantee their ability to respond quickly and make adequate changes to prevent any problems along the way. It is important to ask and find out how the company would meet challenges such as changes in planning, scheduling, and management. Many packaging companies will charge extra for last-minute or rushed projects, which you should expect. It is more important to focus on their ability to adapt to changes.

Capability and Location of Contract Packager

The company you desire to work with should never take for granted aspects such as maintaining machinery and the workspace required. You should ask your contractor what equipment they would use for your project, and request a walk-through of their recommended process. They should also have headquarters in close proximity to where your project will be the most effective. You should be able to reach your end customer or distribution centre as easily and quickly as possible. This will save you costs in terms of shipping and packaging. It will also help you build stronger relationships and explain your expectations clearly to your partner company.

Quality and Cost

Cost may be an important aspect to consider for your business, but it is not the most important factor that influences a successful packaging partnership. You should be budgeting 10% of the total cost for packaging, but be aware that this budget includes materials as well as paying your service vendors. Once you have considered the other factors, then you can negotiate your price with the contract marketing manufacturers as long as they are reliable, resourceful, and responsive to your needs

How to Choose a Pick and Pack Fulfillment Service That Saves You Time

Are you spending hours fulfilling orders to your customers? Your process is probably slow and laborious. Even after all the time you spend, you can still make costly mistakes like using a wrong shipping address.

What is Pick and Pack Fulfillment?

Pick and pack fulfillment is part of the supply chain management process. It’s the process of picking sold product, packing it, and then affixing a shipping label and invoice to the product.

Why You Would Want to Use a Pick and Pack Fulfillment Service

A streamlined picking and packing process isn’t an easy feat.

Choosing a Pick and Pack Fulfillment Service

Here’s your problem now: there are many different pick and pack services to choose from.

Provided Services

First and foremost, you need to see what all services they provide. At the minimal, they should provide basic pick, pack, and shipping capabilities. That’s why you’re using them.