Proper Method to Reset a tripped Circuit Breaker

[PCBelarge]

I am in the process of setting up a class for troubleshooting tripped circuit breakers procedure.
Do you guys have any procedures that may or may not be exactly by "the book?"

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

You may want to look into what OSHA has to say about that subject.
Since your teaching a class OSHA info should be included.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Yes as said in post 2, unless you are sure that the trip was caused by an overload, you are not permitted to reset it without investigating the reason for the trip.

 

[PCBelarge]

Thanks for the replies. I have downloaded Manufacturers' procedures, NETA procedures an other information.
I was hoping for some "in field" experiences.
As you all know there is some terrible information to be had online and very few have been taught the proper means.

 

[infinity]

Pierre is that you? Long time no see.

 

[tom baker]

Here is how not to do it. My coworker went to reset a circuit breaker at a parking garage, where the panel was embedded in a concrete wall with an overhead service drop water had gotten into the panel from the service drop in the breaker tripped he reset the breaker and and there was a large arc flash, but he was not hurt. I would’ve remove the cover from the panel and inspected it first. When I breaker trips, there is normally a reason often it’s just an overheating connection on the load side of the breaker creating heat.
Hello Pierre.

 

[hillbilly1]

Here is how not to do it. My coworker went to reset a circuit breaker at a parking garage, where the panel was embedded in a concrete wall with an overhead service drop water had gotten into the panel from the service drop in the breaker tripped he reset the breaker and and there was a large arc flash, but he was not hurt. I would’ve remove the cover from the panel and inspected it first. When I breaker trips, there is normally a reason often it’s just an overheating connection on the load side of the breaker creating heat.
Hello Pierre.

That’s basically what OSHA says, do not reset the breaker until the problem is found. Definitely good advice for larger breakers. Should be done for small breakers too, but most electricians will reset them hoping it was just an overload. (Guilty as charged, LOL!) usually you will know instantly wether it was an overload, or a short circuit. Resetting frequently will damage the breaker and possibly cause an arc flash or even worse.

 

[tom baker]

Let your class know if you reset a 20 A and it trips immediatly then thats a dead short. And hard on the breaker!

 

[LarryFine]

If I may recommend a method for short circuit troubleshooting a short:

When troubleshooting a circuit with a direct short circuit to either neutral or ground, it's difficult to find the fault because you can't keep the power on, so the only way to find the offending undesired connection is visually, box by box.

I typically use a rubber socket with a 150-watt bulb screwed into it, and wire it in series with the problem circuit at the panel. I disconnect the circuit's hot wire from the breaker terminal, connect the socket's black wire to the breaker, and wire-nut the circuit's hot wire to the socket's white wire.

With the high-wattage bulb in series with the circuit, the breaker will stay on because the most current that can flow is that of the bulb, so it acts as a current limiter. It also functions as an indicator, steady bright for a direct short, flickering for an arcing fault, etc., with you or a helper watching it.

 

[Little Bill]

This is obvious to most, but the breaker must be turned all the way off, then back on. I can't tell you how many times I've talked to someone (phone or in person) that says they have flipped the breaker several times and it won't reset. I explain (more than once) how to reset it but they insist it won't reset. I get there, flip it off, then back on and it resets. "What did you do?" asks the customer. I said I did just what I told you several times to do!

***Note, I do tell them that if it sets then "pops" right back off, to leave it alone until it can be checked.

 

[LarryFine]

I get there, flip it off, then back on and it resets. "What did you do?" asks the customer. I said I did just what I told you several times to do!

You should have them do it instead.

 

[Little Bill]

You should have them do it instead.

Probably so, but I do show them afterwards, but it is not tripped then, but they get the way you do it now. If it is a GFCI or AFCI, I can trip it and let them reset it.

 

[jaggedben]

This is obvious to most, but the breaker must be turned all the way off, then back on. I can't tell you how many times I've talked to someone (phone or in person) that says they have flipped the breaker several times and it won't reset. I explain (more than once) how to reset it but they insist it won't reset. I get there, flip it off, then back on and it resets. "What did you do?" asks the customer. I said I did just what I told you several times to do!

***Note, I do tell them that if it sets then "pops" right back off, to leave it alone until it can be checked.

Been there a number of times as well.

 

[jaggedben]

I've had people tell me to look away. I knew one guy who would reset large breakers with a broom handle while standing to the side. I honestly don't know what OSHA says.

 

[LarryFine]

I honestly don't know what OSHA says.

You must use a 1kv-rated broom.

 

[zbang]

You must use a 1kv-rated broom.

Most wooden ones are if they're dry.

One thing I was taught was to pull larger breakers closed with the fingers, not push with the palm of the hand; if it kicks the fingers will bend easier than the palm and wrist will.

 

[mtnelect]

Electrical myths:
1) If the breaker keeps tripling ... just keep resetting it. It will eventually clear itself !

 

[Joethemechanic]

Say three Hail Marys , Turn your face away from the panel, Take a deep breath and hold it, Then let'er rip

 

[David Castor]

To close a breaker, stand to the side and turn your head. Use the hand that allows the greatest distance from the panel. For 480 V breakers, we recommend PPE be worn, especially eye and face protection.

 

[ptonsparky]

One of the area ECs had his arm all bandaged up. Main Breaker did a rapid disassembly when he reset it. Residential, so don't think it can't or won't happen.