MARCH

TEST YOUR CIRCUIT BREAKERS

 

TIME:                 10 minutes

DIFFICULTY:     easy

EXPERTISE:     none

FREQUENCY:   Twice a Year

 

Overview

Because circuit breakers are mechanical devices, they can lock up so they can't move when they have to. Test them to be sure the switch mechanism is free to operate in an emergency.

Testing your circuit breakers shuts off the power to all your clocks, timers, and electronics, so factor in time to reset all these devices before you start the test.

Steps

1. Locate your circuit box and open the panel.
2. Flip each break switch from On to Off and then back to On. If the breaker has a Test button, press it instead of flipping the switch (these are ground fault interrupter circuits).
3. Note any breakers that don't move freely and reset easily, and have them replaced.
4. Reset your clocks and electronics.

 

 
Tips & warnings

  Some breakers are attached to the adjacent breaker, so if one breaker trips, both trip. These are for heavy-duty appliances (240-volt appliances like stoves and clothes dryers) or for split outlets. For a split outlet, one breaker protects the top half and one protects the bottom. That way, you can plug in two appliances that consume a lot of energy at the same time without causing an overload.