Do you have questions about your electrical system as a homeowner? Your main breaker switch is an essential component in your system. Our guide explains what the switch does, how to fix common issues with it and when you should be using it, as well tips on doing so safely.
Your home's main breaker switch acts like a sentry for your electricity. It regulates the electricity outside of your home from power lines. If there is an emergency, say a fire or bad storm, this switch can cut all the power in your house. It can even shut off power to rooms (and anything plugged into them) so you can do home repairs or upgrades.
Think of your home as a giant machine, and all the stuff in this house needs electricity to work. The most important is the main breaker switch, this switch prevents nasty things. In case anything fails, say a short occurs somewhere inside the home or on any of those wirings then main breaker could help halt the flow of electricity thus preventing fires and triggers. Kind of like an insurance policy for you and your family.
When the switch starts tripping very often, it would be clear that something is wrong somewhere. This can occur when you use too many appliances at the same time such as a microwave with a toaster. To do that, disconnect some devices and see if the problem resolves.
In case the switch has jammed, trying switching it on and off a few times might help. It seems, a push here and there can make it run again. But if it still does not work move, a good call may be an electrician. If the switch is broken, this may require a professional to repair so make sure you call someone who knows what they are doing.
One way you can help during a power outage is taking the time to learn how your main breaker switch works and when to turn it off. They should be switched off every time you do any electrical work like changing your outlets or light bulbs. It is very useful which keeps you safe in the course of your dealing that work.
If there is a bad storm like lightning or hurricane you may have to shut off your electricity for some safety issues on the house. The power lines are easily damaged by the strong winds and heavy rain, switching off electrical power to your home will prevent an electrified surge from damaging your house.
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