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some circuits lose power supply without tripping the breaker,

 
kruzrken's Avatar
  • Answered by:kruzrken
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Positive Feedback: 91.3 %
  • Accepted Answers: 140
Verified Expert
in Electrical

Customer Question

some circuits lose power supply without tripping the breaker, even through they are not under load?

 

Optional Information:
Make: Arrow Hart
Model: Murray

Already Tried:
Leaving the breakers on the most often effected circuits off. If all effected circuits are left in the on position the power will comeback on. May be 5 minutes may be an hour.

Submitted: 212 days and 17 hours ago.
Category: Electrical
Value: $30
Status: CLOSED

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  kruzrken replied 212 days and 17 hours ago.

Hi, Ken here, and I'll be helping you today!

First off, when you say "circuits" (plural), the problem must be with something they all have in common, which would most likely be at the main breaker or in that area. There are two possibilities: A loose neutral or a loose Hot Wire, or some other type of intermittent connection on one of those. A problem with the main neutral would affect ALL circuits. Since only SOME of the circuits are affected, we can assume that the problem is with the hot lead on one side of your main.

First, check the connections at the wire terminals on both poles of your main breaker. If they are loose and you can tighten them, then you probably have fixed the problem. HOWEVER, please observe if the conductors are aluminum. In this case, remove the conductors, clean the ends with something abrasive so that they are shiny, and immediately apply an aluminum conductive paste such as Penetrox anti-oxidant paste. Then, re-insert the wires under the terminals and tighten. Aluminum is quite often the problem.

If these suggestions above fail to fix the problem, then you likely have a bad main breaker. With time, circuit breakers fatigue.

Working on the main side of the Panel can be extremely dangerous if you are not familiar with electrical work. Try to find a way to temporarily disconnect the power ahead of the main, or have this work performed by a qualified electrician or electrical contractor.

Please rate my service today 3,4, or 5 so that I can get credit for helping you. If you have any additional questions, I'll be here!

Sincerely,

Ken

Expert TypeElectrical Engineer
Category: Electrical
Pos. Feedback: 91.3 %
Accepts: 140
Answered: 9/16/2012

Experience: Electrical engineer, Calif. licensed electrical contractor

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