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Intermittent tripping breaker

max wrote:
<snipped>

It sounds like you have done all the proper steps to try to
diagnose this problem to avoid unnecessarily re-wiring.

The time has come. Bite the bullet and rewire from the
panel to the first jbox on the branch. If it fixes the problem,
you're done. If not, re-wire the rest, from the first j-box
to the end of the branches, one "leg" at a time.

The problem sounds like a classic staple pinch.

Ed
 
M

max

Jan 1, 1970
0
Well, at the last update, I hooked up a pigtail light
to the feed from the panel, so now there was nothing
but a cable run from the panel to the basement,
with this light connected. All branches were disconnected from it.

I had done this before, and nothing happened. I had pulled out
the feed wire, and left no branches connected, and nothing happened.

But this time I decided, dammit, that light is going to hang there,
and HANG there. And if that breaker doesn't trip, it is NOT
the wire from the panel.

FINALLY, it tripped. It took about 16 hours. So once and for all,
I knew the problem was the wire from the panel after all.

Now, I know this is going to disappoint all of you who have helped
me, but... I didn't pull the wall apart to SEE what happened to the
wire. ;-)

And as it happens, remember that other circuit 12 that runs through
the basement? Well, since this problem circuit only has a few lights
on it, I decided it flat-out wasn't worth putting in a new cable
run. So, I disconnected the run from circuit 6, put in a junction
box, and fed the basement branches off circuit 12.

This was an easy, relatively painless, way to get the problem solved.
Thank you, everyone. I really do appreciate all the advice.

--- Max
 
R

Roy Q.T.

Jan 1, 1970
0
did you ? finally !

but you better check & see you didn't create an overload condition when
you added the branch circuits to whatever you did there.
 
M

max

Jan 1, 1970
0
Yeah, I don't think I'll have a problem there. The circuit I tapped
into is a 20-amp for outlets in the kitchen.
The branches I added on only support 2 ceiling porcelain light
fixtures with a single bulb in each one.
We're really talking almost nothing in the way of current ---
2-3 amps tops.

--- Max
 
R

Roy Q.T.

Jan 1, 1970
0
Cool'., then you're done. go kick off your boots an have a beer :)
®oy

From: (max)
Yeah, I don't think I'll have a problem there. The circuit I tapped into
is a 20-amp for outlets in the kitchen. The branches I added on only
support 2 ceiling porcelain light fixtures with a single bulb in each
one.
We're really talking almost nothing in the way of current --- 2-3 amps
tops.
--- Max
Roy Q.T. wrote:
did you ? finally !
but you better check & see you didn't create an overload condition when
you added the branch circuits to whatever you did there.
 
indago said:
Yes, and while you are enjoying the brew, think about whether or not the
wiring you transferred is 14 gauge tapped onto the 12 gauge on a 20 amp
breaker.
And he probably doesn't care that it's a code violation. 210-52 (b) (2)

Ed
 
R

Roy Q.T.

Jan 1, 1970
0
Re: Intermittent trip FOUND IT

Group: alt.engineering.electrical Date: Sat, Mar 26, 2005, 12:26am
(EST+5) From: [email protected]
indago wrote:
From: (max)
Yeah, I don't think I'll have a problem there. The circuit I tapped into
is a 20-amp for outlets in the kitchen. The branches I added on only
support 2 ceiling porcelain light fixtures with a single bulb in each
one.
We're really talking almost nothing in the way of current --- 2-3 amps
tops.
--- Max
Yes, and while you are enjoying the brew, think about whether or not the
wiring you transferred is 14 gauge tapped onto the 12 gauge on a 20 amp
breaker.
And he probably doesn't care that it's a code violation. 210-52 (b) (2)
Ed
~~~~~~~~~~
Probably so in a new construction with a free hand to do so. Codes are
meant to make people safe and using electricity easier, i dont think the
" no other outlets " rule 210-52(b)(2) applies to his resolution of the
tripping problem, but, It better be at least a # 12 awg and if there are
any #10 nothing less than a 10awg.
Roy
 
Roy said:
And he probably doesn't care that it's a code violation. 210-52 (b) (2)
Ed
~~~~~~~~~~
Probably so in a new construction with a free hand to do so. Codes are
meant to make people safe and using electricity easier, i dont think the
" no other outlets " rule 210-52(b)(2) applies to his resolution of the
tripping problem, but, It better be at least a # 12 awg and if there are
any #10 nothing less than a 10awg.
Roy
Roy,

The applicable sections of the code must be followed for
all electrical work. It does not matter what his reason
is for extending the kitchen circuit as described in the
thread - it is a code violation.

Ed
 
R

Roy Q.T.

Jan 1, 1970
0
Did he extend the kitchen circuit, i thought he just changed the first
length from the circuit breaker panel to the junction box.

where did you get the extension from ?
®oy
 
Roy said:
Did he extend the kitchen circuit, i thought he just changed the first
length from the circuit breaker panel to the junction box.

where did you get the extension from ?
From his post on 3/24. He said::
"Yeah, I don't think I'll have a problem there. The circuit I tapped
into is a 20-amp for outlets in the kitchen.
The branches I added on only support 2 ceiling porcelain light
fixtures with a single bulb in each one."

Ed
 
J

Jimmie

Jan 1, 1970
0
From his post on 3/24. He said::
"Yeah, I don't think I'll have a problem there. The circuit I tapped
into is a 20-amp for outlets in the kitchen.
The branches I added on only support 2 ceiling porcelain light
fixtures with a single bulb in each one."

Ed
And you get the added feature of knowing when the microwave tripped the
breaker because the lights go out too. Real neat feature when you are
warming up that 2AM snack. LOL. I used to live in a house and discovered the
basement was wired like this the hard way.
 
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