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Tripped circuit breaker in one room

04:57PM | 01/17/04

Member Since: 01/16/04
1 lifetime posts

Tripped circuit breaker in one room

The circuit breaker for my computer room has tripped twice in one day. I'm trying to understand why this has suddenly happened.

There has been no additional equipment added to the room, although there has been a replacement. The items in the room are 2 desktop computers, 1 laptop (plugged in), a printer/fax, 27in TV, VCR, 2 lamps. All items are usually on daily, execpt one lamp. One of the computers was replaced with a higher end model. All of the computers are plugged into a surge protector.

I also have a space heater which was on when the breaker tripped the second time. During my research I read that circuit breakers can go bad after 10yrs; my house is about that old.

Does it look like I need to replace the breaker? If so, can I do it myself or do I need an electrican? How much can I expect to spend?

rpxlpx

07:46AM | 01/22/04

Member Since: 03/13/00
1678 lifetime posts

Space heaters use a lot of power. It may well be that you're simply overloading the circuit. You'd have to add up all the usage to be sure.
Replacing the breaker is an inexpensive way to do trouble analysis.
Do not replace the breaker with a higher amperage breaker, as this can be dangerous.

08:45AM | 01/22/04

Member Since: 06/06/03
1250 lifetime posts

I agree with rpxlpx, that the space heater takes a lot of juice. Is it possible that anything else you're not thinking about could be on the same circuit (you know, like a furnace or hot tub