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A breaker is a mechanical device and certainly would wear some with manual on and off usage, but it should be minimal and should not cause a problem unless it were defective. There are many commercial applications where the breaker is used for daily on/off use for lighting and other functions. The breaker can fail by having a mechanical part malfunction or perhaps arcing between contacts that would corrode or fuse mechanical contacts.

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Q: Can a circuit breaker go bad just by turning it off and on?
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What makes a circuit breaker go bad?

A circuit breaker can go bad from being tripped too many times. Many people don't understand that the tripping of a circuit breaker indicates a problem that needs to be corrected. They usually just reset the circuit breaker, leading to a very common second (or third, or fourth) trip. Circuit breakers tripping are for the prevention of fire due to excessive heat in the circuit. They're not supposed to be tripped repeatedly. This can wear the breaker out. Believe it or not, I've also seen circuit breakers fail to re-energize after being turned off. I speculate this was actually caused by the breaker never having been cycled (it was a main breaker), and the time elapsed since it was installed. Electrical equipment doesn't last forever. It's the same as anything else.


200 amp breaker panel supp-ling 1000watt grow light 30 amp breaker is trpping what could the problem be?

I can think of 3 possible problems. 1. The most likely problem is you have a bad light. Try replacing it with another light, even one that is not a grow light, to see if the breaker still trips. My guess is it won't which means you need a new grow light. 2. If the circuit still trips, you likely have a problem with the circuit wiring itself. You may need to hire a competent electrician to fix this problem by rewiring the circuit. 3. The least likely problem, but it is easier to check than #2, is a bad breaker. There is no magical way to check this. Buy a new one, replace the old one, and see if that works. There isn't anything else that can be wrong. After checking all three things, you've checked everything on the circuit. If you still have problems a competent electrician will need to check the circuit more closely.


Why does half of my house have electricity and the other half doesn't with no circuit breakers poped?

as an electrician i would first check the main breaker with a rated voltage tester for voltage i would first ckeck the meter side by placing one tester lead on one of incoming phases or wire and place second lead on the other phase or other wire. i should read 240, or 230, or 220 volts depending on where the taps are in the transformer. if not call the power company. if it does read any of them voltages i would then check the load side of the main breaker by putting my leads on one breaker and the one right below it generally every other breaker is a different phase again i should read 240 volts or close. if not the main breaker may be bad. if you know what breaker or circuit its on you could test it by placing one lead on the screw where the wire is and the other on the neutral or ground bar here you should read 120 volts or close if not breaker is bad. it maybe as easy as tightening the screw or screws so shut the breaker off first and then tighten.


How do you determine if a breaker switch is bad?

You replace the breaker to see if that fixes the problem. There simply is no other practical approach. There exists testing equipment that will do this but it is much too expensive for general use.


What is a incomplete circuit?

An incomplete circuit is an open circuit; i.e. some part of the circuit isn't connected to anything.Or think of it like this: A circuit is complete when there exists a complete (or closed loop) path for the electrons to flow through it. Also known as a closed circuit. If this is not the case, then it is an incomplete (or open) circuit.

Related questions

How can you tell if a circuit breaker is bad?

Swap it with another like breaker.


What makes a circuit breaker go bad?

A circuit breaker can go bad from being tripped too many times. Many people don't understand that the tripping of a circuit breaker indicates a problem that needs to be corrected. They usually just reset the circuit breaker, leading to a very common second (or third, or fourth) trip. Circuit breakers tripping are for the prevention of fire due to excessive heat in the circuit. They're not supposed to be tripped repeatedly. This can wear the breaker out. Believe it or not, I've also seen circuit breakers fail to re-energize after being turned off. I speculate this was actually caused by the breaker never having been cycled (it was a main breaker), and the time elapsed since it was installed. Electrical equipment doesn't last forever. It's the same as anything else.


Can circuit breaker be bad even getting little electricity?

Yes, a circuit breaker can be bad even if it is getting a little electricity. It may have worn out components or internal damage that prevents it from functioning properly, regardless of the amount of electricity passing through it. If you suspect a circuit breaker is faulty, it is important to have it inspected and replaced by a qualified electrician to ensure the safety of your electrical system.


1997 Lincoln town car lights flicker you replaced light switch lights still still go out must be a relay or circuit breaker where is the circuit breaker located?

Bad ground.


96 Dakota no headlights all other lights work why?

Bad bulbs, bad switch, bad circuit breaker, bad wiring, bad ground.


How to tell if 1964 240 V stove plug is tripping the circuit breaker or is the circuit breaker bad?

To determine if the stove plug is tripping the circuit breaker, plug the stove into a different outlet with the same voltage rating. If it doesn't trip the breaker, the issue may be with the original outlet or circuit. If the stove still trips the breaker, it may be a problem with the stove itself. If the circuit breaker seems problematic, consult an electrician to diagnose and fix the issue.


What would cause a short periodic low hum to come from a circuit breaker?

A short periodic low hum from a circuit breaker could indicate loose connections within the breaker or surrounding wiring, internal mechanical issues within the breaker itself, or electromagnetic interference affecting the breaker. It's recommended to have a qualified electrician inspect the breaker to determine the exact cause and address any potential safety hazards.


Why does a new AC in a new house throw the outside circuit breaker once a week?

If the breaker only trips once a week you may have a bad breaker or the breaker may not be large enough for your A/C unit. You should also have an electrician look for any loose connections from the unit to the breaker panel. (It is not uncommon to have a bad breaker)


Is there a separate fuse for the power windows on a 91 Mercury Topaz?

There is a circuit breaker thaich could be bad.


How do I repair a Passenger side window that won't operate and the motor is still good on a 97 maxima?

if the the motor is good you need to check the circuit breaker because the circuit breaker might be the problem. window doesnt go bad my dude the motor goes bad check it again


Wiper fuse location on 1977 dodge power wagon?

The head lights and windshield wipers are protected by a circuit breaker (no fuse required) Sorry I have know idea where the circuit breaker is, never looked for it. It might be that you're wiper motor is bad. I have never herd of a breaker going bad. To test it run a hot right from you're battery to the input on the wiper motor. It maybe the switch I have had them go bad. You can't just put a toggle switch on it because it is a two speed motor it will not work.


What one is better fuse or circuit breaker?

IMO it would be because the circuit breaker has the possibility of going bad and not working (allowing a short to move through the device), but fuses blow (cause a break) no matter what if shorted.