Electrical help

[Capt_Cully]

Can you blow a breaker?

I tripped the breaker with an old pair of hedge clippers. I reset it, but still nothing.

Is the breaker blown?
Easy or difficult to replace?
Can a DIYer do it or should I call an electrician?

 

[shroutk3]

Is the outlet gfci? could have tripped the actual outlet too.

Assuming that you tested that its not just that the hedge clippers are bad.

 

[jfl14609]

when you reset the breaker does it stay on or immediately trip off

 

[consumed corals]

Breakers are easy to replace.
1. turn off main power supply to house
2. remove panel from fuse box
3. pop out old breaker with a screwdriner
4. losen wire clamp nut
5. install new breaker, make sure you grease it. the new breaker should be pregreased, if not it's available in the same area.
6. button everything back up, and turn your main back on!

 

[Capt_Cully]

No, the one I tripped it with us not. It is not working. Other outlets on the circuit are, they ate reset. Nothing! The breaker switch itself says GFCI protected on it. There is no reset button on it.

 

[Capt_Cully]

Breakers are easy to replace.
1. turn off main power supply to house
2. remove panel from fuse box
3. pop out old breaker with a screwdriner
4. losen wire clamp nut
5. install new breaker, make sure you grease it. the new breaker should be pregreased, if not it's available in the same area.
6. button everything back up, and turn your main back on!

But do they blow? Or am I missing something?

 

[spinoleo]

did you turn the breaker to the off position then all the way to the on there is no reset button on a gfi breaker just a test button

 

[jfl14609]

No, the one I tripped it with us not. It is not working. Other outlets on the circuit are, they ate reset. Nothing! The breaker switch itself says GFCI protected on it. There is no reset button on it.

Is that english haha are you saying that some outlets on the circuit are working and some arent? If so there is most likely a gfi outlet in the circuit thats tripped

 

[shroutk3]

The outlet that tripped could be piggy backed on a different outlet that actually has the buttons. check the others on the curcuit for a switched gfci

 

[Capt_Cully]

Yeah, did that a few times. Nothin.

 

[Capt_Cully]

The outlet that tripped could be piggy backed on a different outlet that actually has the buttons. check the others on the curcuit for a switched gfci

Ding ding ding ding ding ding!!!!

Winner!

One measly outlet in the recesses of my basement, reset, whole circuit is now operational.

Thanks dudes!

Jeff, you of all people can appreciate the chaos 2 little kids can create.

 

[shroutk3]

glad i could help. Same thing has happened to me in my garage.

 

[acdraindrps]

Breakers are easy to replace.
1. turn off main power supply to house
2. remove panel from fuse box
3. pop out old breaker with a screwdriner
4. losen wire clamp nut
5. install new breaker, make sure you grease it. the new breaker should be pregreased, if not it's available in the same area.
6. button everything back up, and turn your main back on!

Dont have to turn off the main to replace a breaker.

 

[IronMan72]

Dont have to turn off the main to replace a breaker.

I was thinking the same thing but didn't go there because someone who has never replaced a breaker and/or isn't familiar with the inside of a breaker box should never do it this way. Too many opportunities for injury.

For the benefit of those not familiar with the inner workings of their breaker box it's best just to have someone that knows how to do it teach you or do it for you. Even switching the main breaker off doesn't eliminate power in the box, only disconnects power to the branches. 220V is nothing to mess with.

 

[tmz]

I've replaced them and added new circuts several times. It's scary in that box with the main on.