NBR: any electricians out there?

kristin7701

Or anyone have a SO who is? I just have a quick question and couldn't think of where else to ask. We moved into a new house (new to us, but not new) this past November. We have had a slight problem with our circuit breaker box in that it is super-sensitive. At first, when we would hit 2 light switches in the kitchen at the same time, the switch in the circuit box would switch off. This morning, all the lights in my bathroom were off (DH must have done something, I guess).

Our house had a substantial renovation done by a builder before we bought it or moved in and a new circuit breaker box was installed. I spoke to the foreman on the reno and he said these new required boxes (we're in MA, if that matters) are just super-sensitive. Is this true or was he just trying to get me off his back? This isn't a big deal but I would like it fixed if possible.

voelkels

Something is over-loading your ampage.  This should NOT be happing.

Either there is too much going into one circuit, or there is some miss wiring.  It sounds to me like there might have been some short cuts done by the builder, especially if it was someone trying to reno a house for a quick sale!

There could be a substantial fire risk, since the reason it shuts off is a protection mechinism.

I would hire an electrician to look it over, keep all copies of communication, bills, and have the elect. write out a statement of what he finds.  You may be able to go back to the build for compensation, but don NOT let it go without checking!  GL!

kristin7701

Thank you! It really didn't sound right to me.

voelkels

Good luck I hope it is something simple, maybe just bad breakers, or poor wire to the box!  But you need to take charge of it!

I am glad my dad has been a contractor for over 40 years, and took me to work with him!  I have been able to help you!

moprica

If it's in a kitchen or bathroom, it might be the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters).  We had to replace two GFCI outlets because they kept tripping.  They don't last foreverl.