How To Check And Reset Your Circuit Breakers For Regular Maintenance And Safety
In a related article, we presented a general step-by-step guide and featured a video by MDS Electrical about what tenants like you can do when your electricity is tripped. This time, we will focus on what you can do to check and reset the circuit breakers.
A circuit breaker is a protective device that is used to cut the power off when necessary. Its main function is to protect your home’s entire electrical system by cutting off the power. This happens if there is a fault like an overload or a short circuit. Then, the circuit breaker automatically cuts off the power supply.
Circuit breakers also have large switches in the front. These can be used to manually reset and continue the flow of power once it is safe. They can also be used to turn off the power manually. For our discussion, you will be dealing with circuit breakers that are part of your fuse board, or single units that protect individual electrical sockets or appliances.
As a tenant, you are responsible for knowing where your circuit breakers are and doing regular checks of their condition throughout your tenancy. Unfortunately, circuit breakers do break down over the course of time and your regular checks will be vital in making sure you catch the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. Below is a video and a three-step general guide you can use to check your circuit breakers:
- Identify the circuit that is causing your circuit breaker to trip. Once identified, isolate and make a note of your double-checking.
- Unplug and remove all appliances and devices that are plugged or connected to that specific line or breaker. If the circuit breaker is connected to a key system like your kitchen ventilation or HVAC, make a note of it.
- Double-check to confirm by resetting the circuit breaker. If the power comes on, then likely, your power connection is good and you may have an appliance or device that is short-circuiting or malfunctioning. Isolate the device and make sure to note that and report it as soon as you can.
If your circuit breaker doesn’t come on or trips again then there is a very good chance that your circuit breaker is faulty and needs to be replaced immediately. Call 02071508844 and do not try to troubleshoot the issue on your own. We will be able to send out a contractor. However, if it is found that it falls under your responsibility as a tenant then you will be charged for the work.
Reminder That You May Be Charged - Where our contractor has arranged a time with you to attend and you postpone, cancel, or don't show up or where it is your fault for the appointment not proceeding you will be responsible for paying the call-out charge for the contractor and potentially any restocking fee for parts. Where the fault, issue or damage, is put down to your or other tenants, permitted occupiers, or guests' actions, you will be responsible for paying for the repair. These terms are already part of your Tenancy Agreement.