Problem with a Circuit Breaker

Nov 25, 2008 6 Replies

Hello. Here is my situation.


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I live in a single-family home in Chicago. On our circuit breaker, the #12 switch controls the following:


1) ALL lights and electrical sockets in one bathroom,


2) ALL lights and electrical sockets in one bedroom, and


3) SOME lights and electrical sockets in a second bedroom, which is my bedroom.

The OTHER lights and electrical sockets in my bedroom are controlled by a different switch.


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When I turn on any light controlled by switch #12, the light flickers for a little while and then goes out. When the light goes out, ALL the lights and electrical sockets that are controlled by switch #12 go out.



To remedy this problem, I have to go to switch #12 and turn the switch on and off repeatedly, until the lights and electrical sockets controlled by switch #12 regain power.



This has been happening for a few months. I try to use the lights and sockets controlled by switch #12 as little as possible, but that policy is becoming very inconvenient. So, what is the problem with my electricity? And how do I fix the problem?



Thank you for any information.



I would start be replacing the breaker ... just don't let the IBEW police catch you.

Hi, Did you check if there is loose connection on the breaker? Is the breaker seated tight?

I would start with the breaker first. Swap it with another breaker of same amperage and see if the same thing happens.

If the same thing happens, are there GFI outlets in the bathrooms? It could be the GFI circuitry is faulty and the outlet or needs replacing. . You could bypass the outlet and see if the same thing happens.

Couple of things come to mind. Since "repeatedly" turning the breaker on and off helps, it could either be a bad breaker. or just as likely, the neutral wire is coming loose.

If you're comfortable working in electrical panel boxes, replace the breaker and tighten all the neutrals. Since you're posing the question to usenet, I'm guessing you're not eager to open the panel box. Find an electrician or handyman to do the breaker, and the tightening wires.

You might also have cheap backstabber receptacles that are daisy chained and not pigtailed. You may need pro help to remedy that situation.

Joe

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