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What is wrong with an electrical circuit that pops the 15A breaker each time a light bulb fails?
Circuit breakers can often trip when a light bulb fails just at the point when you switch on the light. The reason it happens is that, in normal use, the bulb's filament gets thinner and thinner and more and more brittle over time.
Eventually it is about to fail - also known as "burn out" - but it doesn't usually do it whilst it is still burning because it's resistance is at its highest when it is hot and "lit", so it is taking the least amount of current whilst it is "on".
But then, if you switch that bulb off as normal, when you next come to switch it on its filament will be cold and its resistance will be lower than when it was hot. At the point of switching it on it draws a higher starting current for the last time but then, as the filament finally "snaps", the "flying ends" of the snapped filament can sometimes momentarily short-out the hot and neutral filament feed wires, taking a very high current which trips the circuit breaker!
Any incandescent light bulb will draw a higher starting current when you first switch it on because, when cold, the filament resistance is at its lowest point. The bulb soon heats up to its normal running temperature at which point the current settles to its normal running current which is lower than its cold starting current.
But in the case of a bulb that has been used for near to - or more than - its designed number of hours, then it is much more likely to fail in a way that causes the circuit breaker to trip, as has been described above.
Provided they have not been "knocked or dropped" at some time during their life - which would significantly shorten their actual expected "life" because of mechanical damage to the filament - ordinary incandescent bulbs are rated for only about 1000 hours of actual use. More expensive "long-life bulbs are available that are rated at 2000 hours.
A different answer
If your home is new and has the new type of arc-fault breakers, this occurs from time to time when the filament in the bulb blows because the failing bulb causes an arc and the breaker does what it was designed to do: stop the arc.
What else can I help you with?
What happens if you put a 15 amp circuit breaker in a light circuit?
The circuit should be protected by a 15 A breaker.CLARIFICATION:If the wires and other components are capable of handling 15 amps (14 Ga wire or larger), you can safely protect the circuit with a 15 amp breaker. If the circuit is a non-standard lighting device for something other than typical residential application, you should contact an electrical engineer to help you determine the proper wiring and breakers.
Could a bad circuit breaker light switch or plug outlet cause the bedroom light to flicker when turned on?
Yes a bad circuit breaker and a bad light switch can cause a light to flicker when its turned on. It could also be caused by loose wiring going or coming from that paticular circuit. it also could be something in the fixture itself causing. Checking for loose connections is your cheapest and first route to go.
What could be the problem if a breaker trips when the light is turned off?
If a breaker trips when the light is turned off, it could indicate a short circuit or an overloaded circuit in the wiring. It could also be due to a faulty breaker or an issue with the light fixture itself. It is recommended to consult a licensed electrician to investigate and resolve the issue safely.
What does the conductor in a circuit do?
A conductor carries the voltage potential from the source to the load, i.e. the wires from a circuit breaker to a light.
Why does your motorcycle circuit breaker pop when you hit the brake?
Check the wire that goes to your break light. Somewhere along the circuit it is grounded before the lamp and after the switch. Look on the circuit from the switch to the lamp. What is happening is, the circuit is good up to the time that you apply the break. This closes that brake light switch, When the switch closes it sees the dead short and not the lamp. The breaker popping is protecting the circuit wiring from burning up.
What is the purpose of a light breaker and how does it function in an electrical circuit?
A light breaker, also known as a circuit breaker, is designed to protect electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits. It functions by automatically shutting off the flow of electricity when it detects a problem, preventing damage to the circuit and reducing the risk of fire.
What do I do if there is no circuit breaker for outdoor light?
If you have a light that is not being powered through a circuit breaker or fuse, you should call a qualified electrician to remove this circuit from the panel's bus and install a circuit breaker for it. Without an overcurrent protective device (circuit breaker or fuse) you have a potential fire hazard.
What size amp circuit breaker should be used for a pool light?
The pool light is usually on a 15 amp circuit. The breaker feeding this circuit must have a GFCI rating.
What does a light bulb in an electrical circuit transform to?
A light bulb in an electrical circuit transforms electrical energy into light energy and thermal energy (heat).
What happens if you put a 15 amp circuit breaker in a light circuit?
The circuit should be protected by a 15 A breaker.CLARIFICATION:If the wires and other components are capable of handling 15 amps (14 Ga wire or larger), you can safely protect the circuit with a 15 amp breaker. If the circuit is a non-standard lighting device for something other than typical residential application, you should contact an electrical engineer to help you determine the proper wiring and breakers.
How can I replace a double light switch?
To replace a double light switch, first turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Remove the cover plate and unscrew the switch from the electrical box. Disconnect the wires from the old switch and connect them to the new switch in the same way. Screw the new switch back into the electrical box, replace the cover plate, and turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.
If a light bulb is missing in a series circuit will the bulb light?
If one light bulb in a series circuit fails, all the other light bulbs will go out, until the failed bulb is replaced and the series circuit is completed again.If one light bulb in a parallel circuit fails, all the other light bulbs will still work.
Could a bad circuit breaker light switch or plug outlet cause the bedroom light to flicker when turned on?
Yes a bad circuit breaker and a bad light switch can cause a light to flicker when its turned on. It could also be caused by loose wiring going or coming from that paticular circuit. it also could be something in the fixture itself causing. Checking for loose connections is your cheapest and first route to go.
What might cause a breaker to trip when switching on a light when resetting the breaker and checking the fuse doesn't restore power to one circuit?
Overloaded circuit, short in circuit, or defective switch.
What is the part of a circuit the closes or opens the circuit?
Generally a circuit breaker (like a light switch) But I guess you could use a resistor of the right resistance If you are talking about the circuit breaker there is an electromagnetic coil in it which get magnetized on a specific amount of current and breaks the circuit
What could be the problem if a breaker trips when the light is turned off?
If a breaker trips when the light is turned off, it could indicate a short circuit or an overloaded circuit in the wiring. It could also be due to a faulty breaker or an issue with the light fixture itself. It is recommended to consult a licensed electrician to investigate and resolve the issue safely.
How can I wire outlets and lights on the same circuit?
To wire outlets and lights on the same circuit, you can connect them to the same electrical circuit breaker. Run the wiring from the breaker to the outlets and lights, making sure to follow proper electrical codes and safety precautions. Use separate wires for the outlets and lights, and connect them to the appropriate terminals on the outlets and light fixtures. It is recommended to consult a licensed electrician for guidance and to ensure the wiring is done correctly and safely.
