Question

All > Apps, Gadgets, Computers & Games

bdrummen: 10 months ago | Last edited at 12:59PM on 8/7/2012

What causes my power breaker in my power strip to keep shutting off the circuit? i have 7 things plugged into it but they're all normal...

i have an AC unit, a fan, a tv, a direct tv box, 2 lamps, & a ps3 (but the powerstrip allows this many, so i don't get why the strip keeps automatically shutting off?!

Answer This Question

Report as

Answer 1

Nkathers: 10 months ago

It might be caused by overusing or overloading the circuit, which makes it keep shutting off despite having the power breaker. The best thing to do is consult with an expert who should assess the problem and advise you on the best course of action to take. Read more details at http://www.ehow.com/way_5526494_causes-flash-trip-circuit-breakers.html.

Helpful (2) Fun Thanks for voting Comments (0)

Report as

Add a comment...

Answer 2

LH1997: 10 months ago

just because it allows the plug, doesn't mean you have enough juice to support all items plugged into it.

Helpful (2) Fun Thanks for voting Comments (6)

Report as

bdrummen: 10 months ago

Is there a way to make the circuit it's running on stronger? can i do it myself somehow without calling an electrician? (i'm betting the AC unit is stealing the most juice)

Report as

LH1997: 10 months ago

I bet it is the AC unit, why don't you try to keep the AC plugged in and then one item at a time to see how much it can take? then transfer the other items to a different plug somewhere.

Report as

bdrummen: 10 months ago

it can't take any LOL the ac unit still goes out when it's the only thing plugged in. Right now i am trying to plug just the AC unit in somewhere else lol crazyiness

Report as

LH1997: 10 months ago

are you a renter? maybe call the maintenance person to assist, or call an electrician. They could probably increase the power by increaseing the wattage in the breaker box, which requires a professional (or at least someone proficient in electrical work).

Report as

bdrummen: 10 months ago

yeah, i do rent. good idea, i'll call my landlord. i didn't really want to bother them, but it's looking like i'm going to have to. Although since my last post,I was able to find another outlet which would at least keep the AC unit ON..although every once and awhile, instead of breaking the circuit, now it's just shutting the ac unit into a sleep-type mode whereby it doesn't give off cool air but more like fan air..and then goes back into cool air only every once and awhile (which it never did before) so i think it's like barely hanging on juice on this particular outlet lol

Report as

LH1997: 10 months ago

That's what landlords and maintenance people are for, although I sometimes feel the same way as if I'm bothering them...the "shutting off", that may mean that your room is at the appropriate "set" temperature also, switches to fan mode, then as the room heats up, it kicks back in the air conditioner mode (just an idea). Have a great day!

Report as

Add a comment...

Answer 3

gatorblu: 10 months ago

Take the a/c unit off and plug it somewhere else. The A/c uses a lot of power and is probably is what is tripping the breaker.

Helpful (2) Fun Thanks for voting Comments (1)

Report as

bdrummen: 10 months ago

Good idea! :) thx

Report as

Add a comment...

Answer 4

twotontony: 10 months ago

Too much on the strip.

Helpful (2) Fun Thanks for voting Comments (1)

Report as

bdrummen: 10 months ago

yeah, no kidding, when i just have the AC ONLY, it STILL goes out!! lol time to relocate the AC but i hope the AC works on another outlet by itself lol

Report as

Add a comment...

Answer 5

momster: 10 months ago via iPhone

Each of these items uses a different number of kilowatts. You are trying to overload the circuit and, luckily your electrical system is up to date to "break" the circuit entirely. If not you would have burned down your house by now. Only a qualified electrician can install what you need to improve your system to support every appliance you want to run. I had a friend who moved into a new house improperly wired. They plugged in one extension cord and the house burned down.

Helpful (1) Fun Thanks for voting Comments (1)

Report as

bdrummen: 10 months ago

whoa!!! psh, i feel bad for your friend :( thanks for advice :)

Report as

Add a comment...