Noisy Circuit Breaker?

Question

Can circuit breakers get 'noisy'?  That is can they introduce noise on theline which might adversely affect sensitive circuit boards in appliances?

Joseph Meehan · Accepted Answer

I have never heard of one.  Why do you ask?  Why do you think it is acircuit breaker?

jch · Answer

I'm asking because I've had a funny problem with my clothes dryer. Theelectronic circuit board keeps acting up and I wondered if the circuitbreaker was introducing noise on the line which could affect the board. Ihave replaced the board a couple of times ($100 each time). The electronicboard will freeze up and not allow any input. After awhile (an hour, a day,it varies), the problem will go away. I can't find anything wrong with thedryer and like I said I've replaced the board. I've no reason to suspect thebreaker but something is acting up. The dryer is 5 yrs old and has beendoing this for a couple of years now.

BinaryBillTheSailor · Answer

A new breaker is cheap enough that its not worth wondering about. Justreplace it, and see if it helps. You can always keep the old one as aspare. BB

jch · Answer

I replaced the breaker just today.  I'm asking though if anyone knows ifcircuit breakers can be 'noisy' (under load of course) to the point ofaffecting the devices they're connected to.

TURTLE · Answer

This is Turtle.Breaker can become noisey if the connection at the clips are not tight and set off aarking of the clips to the service box spade.The noise will be a buzzzzzz of the breaker when under any good load at all. If itwas the connection. You should have stopped thebuzzz when you put the new breaker in there. It is very rare to see a breaker buzzzbut they can do it.TURTLE

Noisy Circuit Breaker?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?