Inspection prior to resetting a Breaker

[mdshunk]

How many have found a actual problem on the circuit that caused a GFCI or AFCI to trip?

I'd say about 90% of the time I have found the problem that caused a GFCI or AFCI to trip. It takes more than your multimeter to root out the issue.

 

[360Youth]

A circulating pump on a christmas tree, why?

Live tree. Trying to keep it green, I guess.

 

[360Youth]

I'd say about 90% of the time I have found the problem that caused a GFCI or AFCI to trip. It takes more than your multimeter to root out the issue.

How do you recreate the scenario if it is not tripping when you get there? Those re the only ones I have had problems giving an answer for.

 

[mdshunk]

How do you recreate the scenario if it is not tripping when you get there? Those re the only ones I have had problems giving an answer for.

You can seldom recreate it, but you can find it with the use of a megger.

 

[Natfuelbilll]

Gents -
Thank you for your responses.

Will an DVM set to resistance have any success in finding the fault in the circuit once the load is disconnected?

I don't have a megger - yet...

 

[brian john]

Will an DVM set to resistance have any success in finding the fault in the circuit once the load is disconnected?

Yes and NO, depends on the type of fault/short. dead short YES, high resistance fault caused by carbon, water ECT maybe maybe not.

RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB is always important. I mean you would not use your Klein's for a hammer? Would you? (BAD EXAMPLE)

I have been involved in several projects were electrical contractors had employees that relied on a multi-meter to verify a board was clear of a fault and due to this oversight they increased the damage and exposed themselves to physical injuries. I have also been on calls were electricians, just reset the CB and they ended the day in the hospital.

The proper safe procedures for checking all components of a distribution system should always be used.

 

[lazorko]

When I was in the Air Force we once had a 7.2kv fused cut-out that blew at a pole mounted x-frmr. Come to find out, after hours of headache and a couple more blown cut-outs it was a 20a, 120V branch circuit that had a refrigerator with a bad compressor that was causing the overload. The funny thing was that the 20a CB that the refer was on wasn't tripping or the 100a main breaker. We left that job scratching our heads. Never seen anything like that before.

Must have been a Federal Pacific no-trip panel!

 

[brian john]

Must have been a Federal Pacific no-trip panel!

More than likely poor coordination.


For the record I have had other manufactures with products still for sale, CB's that do not operate under fault conditions (high current primary injection testing).