Circuit Panel Issues Affecting Major Appliances

April 2, 2020 11:17 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Have you been having issues with one of your major appliances not operating correctly? There’s always the possibility that you’re experiencing some problems with the circuit, rather than with the appliance itself. Here’s a quick overview of some of the circuit issues that are most likely to affect major appliances and when you need to seek out circuit panel repair in North Scottsdale, AZ:

  • Garbage disposals: Garbage disposals generally run on their own circuit, but in some cases, they may share a circuit with a dishwasher or compactor, or with a nearby outlet circuit in an older kitchen. If a disposal hums when it turns on but doesn’t turn, it’s probably just jammed. If it doesn’t hum or turn, there’s a possibility the breaker is tripped, or you may need to push the reset button on the appliance, as it may have tripped to prevent the motor from overheating due to a jam or other issue.
  • Hot tubs: The National Electrical Code lists hot tubs in the same category as swimming pools, which means there are extra safety precautions electricians must take when installing or working on hot tubs. One of these requirements is the use of a ground-fault interrupter, a special 240/120 volt circuit breaker that will trip for even a very tiny electrical leak. If the breaker trips only when a certain part of the tub is on, this is probably a result of faulty equipment. However, if the breaker has never stayed on since installation, this is probably a sign of an improper hookup with the circuit.
  • Microwaves: There are some microwaves that will use 15 amps while running, which can result in circuits getting overloaded and breakers tripping even in newer kitchens outfitted with 20-amp circuits. One common tripping situation is when a microwave is mounted over a stove where there may have once been an exhaust hood, but without getting a stronger circuit. Hoods were usually wired on 15-amp circuits shared with other lights and maybe even other rooms, but microwaves take up more power and need different wiring as a result.
  • Water heaters: Most household water heaters run about 4,500 watts at any given time through one of two elements, each of which has its own thermostat with an adjustable temperature. When the upper element achieves the set temperature, the thermostat then switches the current to the lower element to prepare more hot water. If both achieve their setting, then no more electrical current flows. The upper thermostat will have a reset button that can pop out and keep both from running current through the elements, which may happen if the water gets extremely hot.
  • Dryers: Most electric clothes dryers use 240 volts for the heating element and 120 volts for turning the drum and blowing out air. If the heating element appears to be burned out, there’s a chance half the double breaker has been blown, tripped or is otherwise not connected properly.

Interested in learning more about how circuit issues can affect appliances in your home? Contact Eavenson Electric Co. to speak with an electrician or special circuit panel repair in North Scottsdale, AZ today.

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