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Absolutely!

Assume that there is a fairly low resistance ground fault at some distance from a breaker.

Assume that it is the feed for a high current device that only rarely, if ever, gets used [so that the natural load failure doesn't draw attention to the problem!] like an electric back-up heat bank used as emergency heat for a heat pump in San Diego [where the heater never gets called on!]

Assume, say, that it is a 3 Ohm resistance ground fault, so there is an 80 ampere load at 240 volts, let's say, on a 100 amp breaker, so that won't trip. This gives you a power consumption of 19.2 kilowatts [watts = current in amps x voltage] an hour, 24 hours a day. That's 13,824 kilowatthours [kwh] a month [30 days]. At 25 cents a kwh the WASTED electricity would cost $3456.00 in just one month!

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In a way, yes. You are paying for energy measured in kilowatts. If the wiring is old and undersized you are paying for the heat generated by the wires themselves. If this is the case you have a serious problem because heat destroys wire and a fire can result. If this is not the case, usage is the only thing that causes an increase in kilowatts used. Another thing to look for, because I have seen it, is your neighbor in an apt. building "tapping" into your service? If you have a separate main breaker for your apartment only lock it off and see if your neighbors complain to the landlord.

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14y ago
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9y ago

No, what causes a high bill is over consumption of electricity. Corrosion causes heat. On the main breaker or any breaker corrosion will cause needless tripping of the breaker. If the corrosion is on the line side you will need to get an electrician to pull a permit to change the breaker out. The reason for the permit is because the utility company has to be involved to disconnect the supply and then reconnect when the project is complete.

If you find corrosion in the main distribution panel breaker, get it looked after right away. Corrosion will form a resistance in the circuit. A resistance will cause heat. It is the heat that will cause wire burn off, insulation failure and possible burning. Get it looked after right away.

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18y ago

No. Breakers are only monitors (they monitor the current flow and if it gets too much it shuts down), they don't generate electricity. Your appliances, etc. are what use electricity.

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8y ago

No, it shouldn't. You are billed by watts usage. Volts X amps. A corroded breaker will cause other problems and should be replaced right away. High heat and possible fire can occur.

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10y ago

No, but it can cause a power outage or intermidant power. Can also cause a fire.

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Q: If your breaker is bad can it cause an excessive electric bill?
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