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To open the unopenable fuse box

Rgarner

Android Expert
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I've never known one to be kiddie (or adult) proof. Would a screwdriver work? I hope it doesn't have to be taken off its hinges.
 
Thanks, it worked. Now all I have to do is find a matching fuse. I guess there are some in there somewhere.
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It's not a fuse box you have accessed, it is a breaker panel. Breakers differ from fuses in that they don't burn out but trip when they are over loaded. I see that you have one breaker tripped. (it's not on all of the way) To reset a breaker you must first turn it off and then turn it back on.
The breaker that needs to be reset was tripped for a reason. Either it was overloaded (too much current being drawn) or something being serviced by that breaker saw a direct short. If it trips off again when you attempt to reset it, you will have to identify the problem and correct it before the breaker can successfully be reset.
 
That is a breaker pannel, we have one with labels of going what electronics match up with what one, our new thing is having the microwave, toaster oven, and new style kettle one that is used for heating water with digital buttons, and can tell how to measure the water to our hearts comptempt.
 
I haven't really tried to read it. I doubt that this problem is related to the microwave, however. The one that tripped is a bathroom breaker, which means no lights in there. The good news is that because the rest of the lighting works, it's actually not a big deal. That blackout this morning was probably unrelated...
 
I guess that means just pushing it the other way and then back again. I hope that works. What do I do if it doesn't, call an electrician? Believe it or not, the light in the closet near the panel is not working now. It's probably just a coincidence. I'm getting really tired of all these electrical problems.
 
Yes.. turn it all the way to your right and then all the way to the left. If there is a problem with the circuit, it will flip off again. You will need to correct the problem for the breaker to stay on. The most common contributor to a breaker tripping is you have too many things drawing current through that breaker. I think your picture shows it is rated to handle 20 amps. Either turn off something or unplug something will be the fix if there is too much demand on the breaker. If the breaker still continues to trip off then there has to be a problem with the circuit and an electrician will be the fix.
 
It could be a worn out breaker ... They are just a mechanical trip mechanism (snap action) and do wear out and become what we refer to as "weak". It will need replacement if normal usage continues to trip it. If you have many things plugged in running at once, try unplugging the all and add them back until the trip happens. this will keep some things on until a professional can assess your situation.

Changing a breaker, is not that hard, but is definitely not for the inexperienced ! ! !




Try changing the bulb in the closet, sounds like it just burned out on you.


smilewinkgrin
 
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I fixed 'em both, no tools required. I just reset the breakers and now they work fine. It was a little surprising that the closet one blew, too. I thought that'd be a bulb, but no. Now I just have to figure out how to fix the two red outlets in the kitchen. They're right next to each other, but I don't believe either one of them was the microwave. I am posting pictures but please know that those are actual red lights, not white things with a red glow.
 
Try pushing the reset and the trip and the reset buttons again.

mikedt : We have several voltages here in the USA.

The lines to a house is usually a single phase 240 volt with ground

Some commercial buildings use three phase 240 as well as single phase 208 voltages.

Three phase is really a dinosaur voltage from the old days, not too much use for it anymore with he high efficiency ratings on things.
 
What are the reset and trip buttons? I noticed that there are two separate buttons in the middle. I suppose those are, but if true, which is which?
 
What are the reset and trip buttons? I noticed that there are two separate buttons in the middle. I suppose those are, but if true, which is which?

The buttons are usually embossed with "reset" and "test" for their respective functions. I wonder why there are two GFCI outlets next to each other... usually one outlet serves the entire kitchen or bathroom.
 
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