Any Electricians In The House?

[Racer 1966]

Anyone here an electrician? About a month ago we had a party here at my house for my wife's b-day. The DJ with his lights and sound system managed to trip a breaker. Since then I have been having a problem with the lights flickering, dimming and brightening in my kitchen. Also the microwave fluctuates too. Tonight I was checking the breakers and noticed it wiggled in the box and while wiggling it, the lights would flicker very erratically.

How tight should the breaker seat in the breaker box?
Or is it possible the breaker switch is bad?
Other possible problems?

Thanks for any help!

 

[SMaxxin]

Breakers do tend to get loose/weak, this normally happens if they are old, defective, or get used a lot. The one your are describing sounds like it should be replaced. Also loose fitting plugs/breakers can ark and are considered an ignition point for fire.

 

[neobart]

You need to get that looked at ASAP by the sounds of it. Electricity is no laughing matter.

 

[Rolex]

Breakers do go bad. They are easy to replace, so don't fear that. Just to be on the safe side, pull it out and take it with you. Do NOT get one with a higher rating.
Flip it off and pull it out from the top and it will swing down and out. Reverse the process for installing the new one...set the hook on the bottom, and swing it in and press it firmly in place. Then flip it on.
If that circuit has been arcing, it's pitting the contacts and that's what's making your lights flicker. It will also make the breaker hot.
Replace it as soon as possible.

 

[Racer 1966]

Thanks for the replies. It doesn't seem to be getting hot, I'm gonna replace it this weekend. By the way, it has one wire connected to the side too, so I'm gonna make sure the main power is off!

 

[Rolex]

The wire on the side is the ground. If you haven't done anything like this before, then cut the main breakers on top. Just make sure the AC and other high draw appliances are off. (fridge, pool pumps etc) You don't want to put a major surge on it when you flip the mains back on.
Once the breaker is out, you can hold it in one hand and remove the ground with the other. Never touch a wire and the circuit box at the same time, even when the power is off. It's just a safety habit that needs to be automatic any time you deal with electric.

Once you're done, take the next couple of days off and reset your digital clocks.

 

[Plaidfish]

Never touch a wire and the circuit box at the same time, even when the power is off. It's just a safety habit that needs to be automatic any time you deal with electric.

AMEN BRUTHA!

 

[digger]

Ohm meter.
Check any wires you are going to unhook.
Just 110 for the most part, but it is a discomfort.

Had some pretty close calls with electricity because I didn't check. One was with 440 and I won't forget it.

 

[Plaidfish]

440....500...whatever it takes huh?

 

[digger]

440....500...whatever it takes huh?

Guy was working on a crane at the shop. He said the breaker was bad. His company policy was he couldn't work on it. So I jumped in there. Looked just like one at my house. Wasn't.

Power didn't used to scare me. The crap at the shop does.
3-phase. The welder runs at 13,400 volts max.
Don't know whether you are 12, 110, (contol voltage) 220, 480 or whatever.
Then there is that f-ing welder. It scares the pee out of me.
Last guy that came in to work on it, told some horror stories. Main thing, not to get very close while it's on. Will fry ya if you are 2 or 3 feet from it.

Not got anything like that in my house, but I find myself being more careful with electricity.
Don't mind working around the house. But I end up working on the crap at the shop and I really don't care for it.

 

[SMaxxin]

Had some pretty close calls with electricity because I didn't check. One was with 440 and I won't forget it.

I had a few of those close calls.....99% of our building is running on 440, 3 phase, guess who gets to play with it.

 

[digger]

I had a few of those close calls.....99% of our building is running on 440, 3 phase, guess who gets to play with it.

Me too bro. I get by, but not a real good electrician.
I'm the one that has to mess with it.

I try to be careful.

 

[Rolex]

It's a standard 110 V to your kitchen. You might want to replace the box breaker with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) for the kitchen, to protect you and other appliances that might also contact water there. It's now code for new houses. Bathroom also. They're costly compared to standard breakers, but NO ONE will ever get a shock in the kitchen.