To open the unopenable fuse box

[Rgarner]

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.

 

[olbriar]

Normally, you place your finger into the recess of the black latch and slide it toward the hinge side. It will only move a small amount. Once it has reached the max distance it will travel, it should have pulled the latch back far enough so that it will swing open.

 

[Rgarner]

Thanks, it worked. Now all I have to do is find a matching fuse. I guess there are some in there somewhere.

 

[olbriar]

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.

 

[Milo Williamson]

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.

 

[ozonetrooper]

Culprits for tripping the breaker :

hair dryers
curling irons
microwave ovens
plug in stove element counter top cooking appliances

 

[Fox Mulder]

Does this have to do with your recent issue with the microwave?

 

[olbriar]

Does this have to do with your recent issue with the microwave?

If the labeling on the panel is correct, it looks like the MW is on a designated 20amp breaker. The tripped breaker is labeled kitchen receptacles. It's difficult to read however.

 

[Rgarner]

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...

 

[Rgarner]

Which was tripped? I'm betting #6. How do I reset it?

 

[olbriar]

Turn it off and then turn it on.

 

[Rgarner]

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.

 

[olbriar]

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.

 

[ozonetrooper]

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.

 

[mikedt]

Thanks, it worked. Now all I have to do is find a matching fuse. I guess there are some in there somewhere. View attachment 160928 View attachment 160929

OT:

I recognise that type of box from a video I saw on YouTube:

"The US electrical system is NOT 120V", and that came as bit of a surprise to me.

 

[Rgarner]

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.

 

[mikedt]

FWIW that video I posted, finally allowed me to understand how domestic wiring in the US is done. I already understood UK ring mains wiring, and the radial wiring systems in China, which is 220-230V only.

 

[olbriar]

Those are ground fault breaker circuits. They are designed to trip at the slightest sign of current going to ground. There is a reset button on the receptacle. Simply pushing the button in will reset it.

 

[Rgarner]

I tried that. Maybe I didn't push hard enough. Is there some secret trick?

 

[ozonetrooper]

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.

 

[Fox Mulder]

If the GFCI doesn't reset when you press the reset button it's possible the fault still exists and is causing it to trip again. In that case it will be best to have an electrician look at it.

 

[Unforgiven]

If the GFCI doesn't reset when you press the reset button it's possible the fault still exists and is causing it to trip again. In that case it will be best to have an electrician look at it.

Alternatively, the GFCI plug is just a small scale breaker that could be worn out, especially if it took a big hit, like a malfunctioning microwave.

 

[Fox Mulder]

Alternatively, the GFCI plug is just a small scale breaker that could be worn out, especially if it took a big hit, like a malfunctioning microwave.

Perhaps, but two of them at the same time? Not very likely.

 

[Rgarner]

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?

 

[Dngrsone]

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.