🔧 Understanding Circuit Breakers

Essential knowledge for troubleshooting electrical systems in parking equipment.

What is a Circuit Breaker?

A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit.

Breaker States

✅ ON Position

Handle Position: Fully to the right (or up on vertical panels)

Status: Circuit is energized and conducting power

Indicator: Usually shows green indicator or "ON" label

⭕ OFF Position

Handle Position: Fully to the left (or down on vertical panels)

Status: Circuit is intentionally de-energized

Indicator: Usually shows no indicator or "OFF" label

⚠️ TRIPPED Position

Handle Position: Middle position between ON and OFF

Status: Breaker has detected fault and automatically opened circuit

Indicator: May show red indicator or "TRIPPED" label

Meaning: Overcurrent, overload, or short circuit detected

How to Reset a Tripped Breaker

Identify the problem: Before resetting, understand why breaker tripped
Remove load: If possible, turn off or disconnect equipment on circuit
Push handle to OFF: Move handle fully to OFF position (left or down)
Wait 30 seconds: Allow breaker thermal mechanism to reset
Push handle to ON: Firmly push handle to ON position (right or up)
Test circuit: Verify power restored with voltmeter

⚠️ Warning Signs

Trips immediately: Serious electrical fault exists - DO NOT force breaker on
Trips repeatedly: Overloaded circuit or failing device
Hot breaker: Breaker may be failing or overloaded
Burning smell: Serious electrical problem - call electrician

Common Parking System Breaker Sizes

15A: LPR cameras, small control panels, lighting
20A: Paystations, gate controllers, CCTV systems
30A: Barrier gate operators, large motors
40-60A: Main panel feeds, multiple device circuits

Why Breakers Trip

1. Overload

Too many devices or too much current drawn through circuit. Solution: Reduce load or upgrade circuit.

2. Short Circuit

Hot wire touches neutral or ground directly. Solution: Find and repair short.

3. Ground Fault

Current flows to ground through unintended path. Solution: Locate ground fault, repair wiring.

4. Arc Fault (AFCI breakers)

Dangerous arcing detected in wiring. Solution: Find damaged wire or connection.

5. Failed Equipment

Device has internal fault drawing excessive current. Solution: Disconnect device, test individually.

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