Why Would a House's Circuit Breaker Partially Work?

Wrong Amperage

• Depending on the device that is connected to the circuit breaker, the breaker might not be the correct amperage for the job. This could result in the circuit breaker working for a little while and then suddenly tripping. Or, the breaker could support the device minimally, resulting in poor appliance or device performance. If you suspect that the circuit breaker doesn’t suit the needs of the circuit and the connected device, you should contact a technician to run tests and switch out the breakers.

Bad Wiring

• The wiring of the power outlet or appliance to the circuit breaker could mean the difference between a functioning unit and a nonfunctioning unit. If the wires are connected to the incorrect terminals, it’s possible for the device to turn on but not turn off and vice versa, causing the breaker to partially work. You might take a look at the wiring situation surrounding the device in question, but a technician should be called for all electrical work.

Touching Wires

• When two hot wires or a hot wire and a neutral wire touch, the appliance connected to the breaker stops. Bare wires should not be so close to each other without insulation, as such careless wiring can instantly spark a fire. If you see uncovered wires in a potentially dangerous situation, you should call a technician to correct the problem.

Multiple Devices

• Too many appliances running off of one circuit breaker will trip the breaker. It’s possible for a bunch of items to be plugged into one power outlet at once and not trip the breaker, until all devices have been turned on at the same time. This is why some outlets should never run with an extension cord or power strip. If a large appliance runs on one outlet, it might be a good idea to allow only the one appliance to run off of that particular breaker. For this reason, one dedicated outlet for the appliance is a good idea.