Introduction
A furnace breaker is an electrical device that helps protect your home’s heating system from potential damage due to an electrical overload. If the current draw on the circuit exceeds the amount of power allowed, the breaker will trip and shut off the current flow. This article will provide an in-depth look at what causes a furnace breaker to trip, as well as how to troubleshoot and prevent it from happening again.
Electrical Problems That Can Cause a Furnace Breaker to Trip
There are several electrical problems that can cause a furnace breaker to trip. These include overloaded circuits, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and short or open circuits.
Overloaded Circuits
An overloaded circuit is the most common cause of a furnace breaker tripping. This occurs when too many appliances are plugged into one circuit, causing the total current draw to exceed the circuit’s maximum amperage rating. This can be prevented by making sure all major appliances are connected to individual circuits with their own dedicated breakers.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs are devices designed to protect people from electrocution by cutting off the electricity when a short circuit or ground fault is detected. They are typically found in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors. If the GFCI detects a fault, it will trip, which can also cause the furnace breaker to trip.
Short Circuit or Open Circuit
A short circuit occurs when two wires come into contact with each other, allowing electricity to flow where it should not. This can cause the circuit breaker to trip. An open circuit is when a wire breaks, preventing electricity from flowing. This can also cause the circuit breaker to trip.
Common Reasons for a Furnace Breaker to Trip
In addition to electrical problems, there are several other common reasons why a furnace breaker might trip. These include a blocked air filter, clogged burner assembly, malfunctioning thermostat, and aging wiring.
Blocked Air Filter
A blocked air filter can cause a furnace breaker to trip. This is because the filter restricts the airflow to the furnace, causing it to overheat. Overheating can cause the circuit breaker to trip, preventing further damage to the furnace.
Clogged Burner Assembly
A clogged burner assembly can also cause a furnace breaker to trip. This is because the clog prevents the fuel from burning properly, resulting in an increase in the temperature of the furnace. Again, this can cause the circuit breaker to trip, protecting the furnace from further damage.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat can also cause a furnace breaker to trip. This is because the thermostat may be sending incorrect signals to the furnace, causing it to run longer than necessary. This can cause the furnace to overheat, resulting in the circuit breaker tripping.
Aging Wiring
Finally, aging wiring can cause a furnace breaker to trip. Over time, wires can become loose or corroded, resulting in an increase in resistance. This can cause the circuit breaker to trip, preventing further damage to the furnace.
How to Troubleshoot a Furnace Breaker that Keeps Tripping
If your furnace breaker keeps tripping, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. These include checking your breaker box, testing your GFCI outlets, checking for blockages in the ventilation system, testing your thermostat, and checking for loose connections.
Check Your Breaker Box
The first step in troubleshooting a furnace breaker that keeps tripping is to check your breaker box. Look for any tripped breakers and reset them if needed. If the breaker trips again, then you may have an overloaded circuit or another electrical problem.
Test Your GFCI Outlets
Next, you should test your GFCI outlets to make sure they are functioning correctly. If the GFCI trips, then you may have a ground fault or short circuit somewhere in the system. You should have a professional electrician inspect the wiring to identify and repair the problem.
Check for Blockages in the Ventilation System
You should also check for blockages in the ventilation system. A blocked air filter or clogged burner assembly can cause the furnace to overheat, resulting in a tripped breaker. Make sure the filters are clean and the burner assembly is clear of debris.
Test Your Thermostat
If the filters and burner assembly are clear, then it is time to test your thermostat. Make sure it is working correctly and sending the correct signals to the furnace. If not, then you may need to replace the thermostat.
Check for Loose Connections
Finally, check for loose connections. Over time, wires can become loose or corroded, resulting in an increase in resistance. Tighten any loose connections and replace any frayed or damaged wires.
Understanding Why Your Furnace Breaker is Tripping
To better understand why your furnace breaker is tripping, it is important to familiarize yourself with the basics of electrical circuits, GFCI protection, and ventilation systems. Understanding these concepts can help you identify and address the underlying cause of the problem.
Tips for Avoiding a Furnace Breaker Trip
There are several steps you can take to prevent your furnace breaker from tripping. These include replacing old wiring, changing your air filter regularly, cleaning your burner assembly, and making sure your thermostat is working properly.
What to Do When Your Furnace Breaker Keeps Tripping
If your furnace breaker keeps tripping, then it is important to contact a professional electrician to inspect the wiring and determine the underlying cause of the problem. You should also have the unit inspected by a heating and cooling technician to make sure everything is working properly. If the problem persists, then you may need to consider replacing the unit.
Conclusion
Furnace breakers are designed to protect your home’s heating system from potential damage due to an electrical overload. The most common causes of a furnace breaker tripping are overloaded circuits, GFCI protection, short circuits, and open circuits. Other common causes include blocked air filters, clogged burner assemblies, malfunctioning thermostats, and aging wiring. To prevent your furnace breaker from tripping, make sure to replace old wiring, change your air filter regularly, clean your burner assembly, and make sure your thermostat is working properly. If your furnace breaker keeps tripping, then it is important to contact a professional electrician to inspect the wiring and determine the underlying cause of the problem.
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