Single-Pole Breaker (Electrical Systems)

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Single-pole breaker - Check AC voltage; also flip the switch - Klein

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Single-pole breaker - Check AC voltage; also flip the switch - Greenlee

Common Component Failure Problems

NOTE

If the breaker was turned off, it may be necessary to talk to others and investigate if it has been turned off for a reason. Remember, if someone turned the breaker off to work on something, turning the breaker back on could electrocute them.

Breaker is turned off
- Check the position of the breaker
  - Breaker is off
    - Turn it on
Tripped Breaker
- Check the position of the breaker
  - Breaker is off (Some breakers show "off" when tripped)
    - Turn it back on
  - Breaker shows a tripped position which is typically halfway between on and off (Some breakers show "tripped" when tripped)
    - Turn it back on
No power upstream
- Check the position of the breaker
  - Breaker is on
  - Check voltage (multimeter set to 200 VAC) - measure from breaker screw to ground. Should measure around 12 to 15 VAC.
    - If the voltage is not around 12 - 15 VAC check the power upstream from the breaker.

Troubleshooting Instrumentation/Tools

Multimeter (200 VAC setting)

Troubleshooting Step-by-Step Example

Additional Troubleshooting Information

Schematic for a single-pole circuit breaker:

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Where to Purchase:

15-amp single-pole breaker - Lowe's

20-amp single-pole breaker - Lowe's

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