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Why Circuit Breakers Trip (and Fuses Blow)

By Bob Formisano, About.com

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The Ground Fault


A Ground Fault condition exists when the hot wire (black) touches the ground wire (bare copper) or the side of a metal outlet box (because the metal box is connected to the ground wire). The ground fault is a type of short circuit.


The Fix:

  • Same as Short Circuit except also check that the hot wire (black) is not touching the side of the metal outlet box or the ground wire.

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