subject: Smart Hints To Check the Circuit Breaker Voltage [print this page] Smart Hints To Check the Circuit Breaker Voltage
All kinds of electrical devices in your home need electricity power in consistent voltage in order to operate well. This certain device allows the electricity voltage from the power company to be distributed safely throughout the system in your home. Both of single and double pole circuit breaker will deliver different power. Here are some useful tips in measuring the voltage of your breakers properly.
First, you need to shut off the main power breaker. Usually, it will be located at the bottom or top of the panel based on the style of the circuit box. You can identify the switch as Main switch that is completed with on and off label.
Second, you need to remove the cover of the screws by using your screwdriver. The covers are usually holding the protective cover above the main buses of the breaker box. You will find several screws ranges from four to six, depending on the panel size.
Third, you also need to examine the main panel layout before reinstating the power to the box. In your circuit breakers, you will find a ground bar that usually located to the left and/or right. This bar is completed with both bare copper wires as well as white insulated wires that are ended to the ground bar. The bars will be the place where the breakers are plugged into and carry the electrical voltage of the system. You should not touch these bars since you will get shocked when the panel is energized.
Fourth, you need to re-energize the main breaker. You need to switch the Volt Ohmmeter into volts and locate the black lead on the ground bar. You also have to locate the red lead to the terminal screw on the single pole breaker that you are going to check. It should show numbers between 110 to 125 VAC.
Fifth, you need to place both of the leads to a double pole breaker and the meter should shows result of 220 to 250 VAC. Then, you need to check each screw of the terminal to ground bar one at once. Each reading has to be in same result between the screw terminal as well as the ground bar. If the reading shows different result, your breaker should be replaced immediately.
Sixth, you need to shut off your main breaker and put the cover of to the breaker box into its place. When all the screws are in their appropriate places and the cover is also tightened, you can turn the power back to the normal operation.
