AboutBob Sponaugle Expertise Just about any home wiring question. (not appliance repair) I have done all kinds of home wiring for myself, including adding a new breaker box, etc. Please, questions from North America only. Please be specific with details.
Question I believe I have an electrical problem in my home. Last weekend, I put on my self cleaning over and it began it's cycle - I went outside to continue yard work, came inside a while later and the entire range was off. I went out to the electrical box and found the Range circuit off. I flipped it back on and tried again several times with the same result. I can use the range top, but not the oven or it trips the circuit.
This past weekend I had gone outside to vacuum out my truck and all was fine inside. When finished, I went in and it felt really hot inside. I checked the temp and was surprised to find it to be 80 degrees. I thought that was odd as I had been chilly earlier inside. I tried to turn it down to make it cooler but the A/C didn't come on. I went out the the electrical box and found the A/C circuit tripped. I went and turned it back on and it cranked up but then tripped again after about 30 minutes.
My home is 15 years old, I am wondering what my next step should be. I am pretty concerned about fire.
Answer Hi.
If the breaker box gets hot or even warm, it could cause the breakers to trip. The box could get hot from a wire arcing, so look for dark spots, etc.
It could be that two problems are unrelated. Self cleaning uses a lot of electricity, so perhaps it was too much. The AC could have a problem with the compressor.
Since this could be a major problem you might want to get an electrician involved. He can measure the current draw of each appliance and see if it is too much for some reason.
About Electrical Wiring in the Home
This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here
