The first thing to understand is that a circuit breaker can tripped off even when it still looks like it's set to the "ON" position. This is because when a circuit breaker shuts off it can sometimes trip off internally, without the On/Off handle actually flipping to the "OFF" position. So this is what you do when you have a loss of power that you suspect may be caused by a tripped circuit breaker.

• Shut down any computer equipment that may be effected by a loss of power.
• Go to your circuit breaker panel and firmly flip the first breaker OFF and then back ON again.
• Do the same thing with each circuit breaker until you have flipped all of the circuit breakers OFF and then back ON again.
• Now go check and see whatever didn't have power in now back on again.

If your power has been restored ... You're done! If your power is still out, it's time to call Sherwin Electrical Services, LLC.

Note: About 25% of all electrical power problems can be solved using the above technique. Good Luck!

More Technical Stuff About Circuit Breakers

Inside most circuit breakers there are two types of protection: One is thermal. The other is magnetic. The thermal strip measures heat buildup caused by overloading. When it reaches a certain temperature, it will shut off the breaker. The magnetic coil measures sudden increases in current (such as a short). At a predetermined limit it will shut the breaker off. Older breakers sometimes only have one of these features. To have maximum protection, a breaker with both types of protection is recommended.

There are usually three spots on the outside of a breaker that show wear. The on/off switch is located at the top, and if it is broken off or loose, we recommend the breaker be replaced. Next is the load lug. If it is burnt or abnormally loose, we recommend the breaker be replaced. Last, and most common, is the stab. The breaker stab is what makes contact with the busing in the panel (the buss carries the power throughout the panel). The stab connects to the buss through friction and spring tension. The spring tension, over time, may break down and if so arcing or burning may result. If the stab has become burnt, discolored, or is abnormally loose we recommend the breaker be replaced. Also if the stab is burnt or discolored it is also a good idea to have the buss in the panel checked.

NOTE: It is possible for a breaker to appear "OK" based upon its outward appearance and by the fact that it continues to carry continuity, but still be questionable, bad, or intermittent etc. The opposite may be true as well; a breaker with a poor outward appearance may be perfectly safe and structurally sound. Therefore a decision to replace or not to replace a breaker should not be based solely on appearance, continuity, age etc. All factors should be considered in determining the proper course of action to take.