0
Yes, if the fixture itself has a shorted wire or a socket, the light bulb in some cases will cause the breaker to trip. Remember there are other things connected on that same circuit. Other outlets, lights, switches, etc. etc.. Check out everything that is on that circuit first, as well as the entire light fixture for burned wiring or a burned socket.
An alternative answer
Sometimes, if the alternating voltage - and corresponding peak current - happen to be at or near to peak value at the instant when the filament of an incandescent light bulb blows, the sudden break in the flow of current can induce a "spike" of current which causes the circuit breaker to trip. Good quality light bulbs have a fuse inside them which is intended to blow in this situation but, sometimes, the fuse may not melt in time and the breaker reacts faster than the fuse.
So, if you replace the light bulb and the breaker does not trip again when you switch the light on, the breaker most probably tripped for the reason just explained. It is then unlikely that there is any fault in the lamp fixture or in any of the other outlets, lights, switches, etc. on the same circuit.
If, after you have changed the blown light bulb for a brand new one and have switched it on, the breaker still keeps tripping, then the advice given in the very first answer to this question must certainly be followed: check out the entire light fixture for burned wiring or a burned socket, and also, if necessary, everything else that is on the same circuit.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized
IF YOU ARE NOT REALLY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Why would a circuit breaker switch spark?
A circuit breaker switch could spark due to a buildup of heat or a high level of current flowing through it. This can lead to arcing between the contacts inside the breaker, resulting in sparking. Additionally, loose connections or damage to the breaker can also cause sparking.
What would cause a short periodic low hum to come from a circuit breaker?
A short periodic low hum from a circuit breaker could indicate loose connections within the breaker or surrounding wiring, internal mechanical issues within the breaker itself, or electromagnetic interference affecting the breaker. It's recommended to have a qualified electrician inspect the breaker to determine the exact cause and address any potential safety hazards.
Will a short circuit cause smoke detectors to beep after resetting the circuit breaker?
If your smoke detector is bleeping you have a serious risk of fire and the circuit breaker must not be reset until the fault that caused it to trip is investigated.
Every time you vacuum you blow the breaker in your house can you change the breaker?
Blowing the breaker every time you vacuum could be a sign of an overloaded circuit or a faulty breaker. Before changing the breaker, try using the vacuum on a different outlet to see if the issue persists. If the problem continues, it's best to consult a professional electrician to determine the underlying cause.
Circuit breaker trip cause smoke will homeowner insurance pay for it?
Homeowner insurance typically covers damages caused by a circuit breaker trip, including any resulting smoke damage, as long as the damage was not intentional or due to negligence. It is important to review your specific policy coverage and consult with your insurance provider for more information.
What would cause a circuit breaker heating element to trip off?
There are two conditions that would cause a breaker to trip off. One is an overload of the circuit and the other is a short circuit on the circuit. The heating element within the breaker is what monitors for circuit overloads.
What do you do if your Lighter fuse keeps blowing each time you replace it on your 1998 Tacoma?
Anytime a fuse blows, or a circuit breaker trips, indicates an excessive current [measured in Ampheres (Amps)] flowing in the circuit. This is an abnormal condition, and could be hazardous which is why fuses or circuit breakers are installed in electrical circuits. These safety devices are designed to cut off the electricity to prevent damage to the system, or in a worst case scenario, a fire. When repeated fuse blowing, or breaker tripping, occurs, you must troubleshoot the circuit to find the cause of the overload or short, and then remove/repair the cause before a new fuse can remain in place without blowing.
Can a circuit breaker on my 1992 grand prix cause my headlights to stay on?
No. A circuit breaker is like a fuse, it protects a circuit from a catastrophe if a dead short should occur.
What might cause a breaker to trip when switching on a light when resetting the breaker and checking the fuse doesn't restore power to one circuit?
Overloaded circuit, short in circuit, or defective switch.
What procedure should be followed when a circuit breaker trips?
Look for the cause of the trip and correct. Reset the circuit breaker. If it continues to trip it might be an overloaded circuit, loose connections in the circuit, or a short in the wiring somewhere.
Why would a circuit breaker switch spark?
A circuit breaker switch could spark due to a buildup of heat or a high level of current flowing through it. This can lead to arcing between the contacts inside the breaker, resulting in sparking. Additionally, loose connections or damage to the breaker can also cause sparking.
What would cause a short periodic low hum to come from a circuit breaker?
A short periodic low hum from a circuit breaker could indicate loose connections within the breaker or surrounding wiring, internal mechanical issues within the breaker itself, or electromagnetic interference affecting the breaker. It's recommended to have a qualified electrician inspect the breaker to determine the exact cause and address any potential safety hazards.
Will a circuit breaker be the cause of an air conditioner not turning on?
It is possible if the circuit breaker has tripped or is faulty. The best way to check is by unplugging the air conditioner, and plugging in a table lamp. If the lamp lights up, then you know that the circuit breaker is working, if not then it is faulty.
Why not to overload a socket?
Yes! A socket is a part of a circuit. Usually there are a number of sockets and lights associated with a specific circuit. The wiring of the circuit and the circuit breaker are limited to a specific amperage. If you exceed the amperage, you can blow the breaker. If the wire is rated for 15 amps and the circuit breaker is rated for 20 amps, the wires can overheat and cause fires.
Will a short circuit cause smoke detectors to beep after resetting the circuit breaker?
If your smoke detector is bleeping you have a serious risk of fire and the circuit breaker must not be reset until the fault that caused it to trip is investigated.
Every time you vacuum you blow the breaker in your house can you change the breaker?
Blowing the breaker every time you vacuum could be a sign of an overloaded circuit or a faulty breaker. Before changing the breaker, try using the vacuum on a different outlet to see if the issue persists. If the problem continues, it's best to consult a professional electrician to determine the underlying cause.
Circuit breaker trip cause smoke will homeowner insurance pay for it?
Homeowner insurance typically covers damages caused by a circuit breaker trip, including any resulting smoke damage, as long as the damage was not intentional or due to negligence. It is important to review your specific policy coverage and consult with your insurance provider for more information.
